SchoolScoresParrs Wood High School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of GREATER MANCHESTER EDUCATION TRUST
Wilmslow Road, East Didsbury, Manchester, M20 5PG
0161 446 8640 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 4 December 2013. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 5 March 2025: Ofsted found the school had maintained its standards.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
199 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Manchester comparisons use the 14 of its 30 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 16 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Joint 6th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 63% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 87% | 80% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 3rd highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 71% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 81% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 7th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 59% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 82% | 76% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 62 parents whose child had been bullied 2nd highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 93% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 68% | 53% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 147 parents who had raised a concern 8th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 65% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76% | 68% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 45 parents of children with SEND 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 64% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 69% | 48% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Joint 5th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Manchester. Higher than 64% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85%said yes | 76% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 11%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Manchester figures pool parents at the Manchester schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
296 pupils in this year group.
48% — 6 points above the Manchester average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 48% | 41% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 48.1 | 44.8 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
299 pupils in this year group.
93% — 4 points above the Manchester average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 93% | 89% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 39% | 15% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 19% | 30% | 13% |
| Further education college | 30% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 93% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
158 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 13% | 18% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 31% | 39% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 28.6 | 36.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
28 subjects, 390 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 43 | 2% | 12% | 40% |
| Biology | 41 | 0% | 20% | 27% |
| Psychology | 33 | 3% | 9% | 19% |
| Business Studies:Single | 30 | 0% | 10% | 16% |
| Chemistry | 30 | 0% | 13% | 30% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 27 | 0% | 15% | 24% |
| Sociology | 27 | 0% | 7% | 20% |
| Economics | 17 | 0% | 12% | 26% |
| English Literature | 15 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Law | 14 | 0% | 7% | 17% |
| English Language | 12 | 0% | 17% | 13% |
| Religious Studies | 12 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| History | 11 | 0% | 18% | 23% |
| Geography | 10 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 10 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| Music Technology | 10 | 0% | 0% | 15% |
| Physics | 9 | 0% | 11% | 31% |
| Government and Politics | 7 | 0% | 29% | 26% |
| Spanish | 6 | 0% | 50% | 34% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Ancient History, Physical Education / Sports Studies, Art and Design (Fine Art), German, Mathematics (Further), French, Music, Chinese, Drama and Theatre Studies.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
208 students in this year group.
83% — 8 points above the Manchester average, and 4 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 83% | 75% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 4% | 7% |
| Work | 21% | 20% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 80% | 83% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
174 students in this year group.
79% — 5 points above the Manchester average, and 19 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 79% | 74% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 16% | 23% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 81% | 79% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Manchester. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 292 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 249 |
| Of those, offered a place | 222 (89%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 858 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.8 · 2025: 0.8 · 2026: 0.9
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Manchester | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 27th highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 64% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 32.9% | 49.6%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 28th highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 26% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.0% | 4.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 22nd highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 32% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.4% | 15.2%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 15th highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 87% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 39.9% | 44.1%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 23rd lowest of 29 state secondary schools in Manchester. Lower than 51% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 8.3% | 8.0%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 19th lowest of 29 state secondary schools in Manchester. Lower than 58% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 22.0% | 21.4%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 22nd lowest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Lower than 27% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 27.6 | 26.7 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 16th lowest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Lower than 37% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 8.4% | 9.6% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded5 pupils | 0.27% | 0.25% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 8th highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 35% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.1 | 15.4 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 5th highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 45% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.6 | 10.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 29th highest of 30 state secondary schools in Manchester. Higher than 15% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 7.6% | 15.1%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- The Barlow RC High School 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), confirmed 2024 · 53% grade 5+ English and maths
- Priestnall School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2019, before conversion) · 57% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Kingsway School 1.4 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 expected · 51% grade 5+ English and maths
- Burnage Academy for Boys 1.5 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2018), confirmed 2024 · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- Stockport Academy 1.6 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 47% grade 5+ English and maths
- Laurus Cheadle Hulme 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 60% grade 5+ English and maths
- Covenant Christian School 2.0 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
- Didsbury High School 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2024) · 61% grade 5+ English and maths
- Progress Schools - Stockport 2.1 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 3 needs attention, 3 urgent improvement
- Withington Girls' School 2.2 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 75% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Parrs Wood High School's Ofsted rating?
Parrs Wood High School was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 4 December 2013. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 5 March 2025, Ofsted found the school had maintained its standards.
How did Parrs Wood High School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 48% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 2 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Parrs Wood High School?
85% of the 199 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Parrs Wood High School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Parrs Wood High School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 249 families put Parrs Wood High School as their first choice for 292 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 222 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 143260.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.