Didsbury High School
Manchester, M20 2ET · Manchester · secondary school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 31 secondary schools in Manchester we can score, 32 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.7/10 against 494 of them, against 8.7/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 61.7 · 83 | 30% | 2.50 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.67 · 90 | 25% | 2.25 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 57.8 · 90 | 10% | 0.90 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Didsbury High School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.6% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 57.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.67 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,220 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,350. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils in reaching the national median for Attainment 8? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about Didsbury High School
Overview
Didsbury High School delivers an education of the highest quality, characterised by an “aspirational approach” that prioritises both academic excellence and personal development. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, experience an “exceptional curriculum” that enables them to “achieve exceedingly well.” The school fosters a calm, orderly atmosphere where pupils are “incredibly proud” of their diversity and actively contribute to the community.
Strengths
- Staff possess a “strong shared understanding” of the curriculum, expertly designing activities that help pupils build “rich and interconnected bodies of knowledge.”
- The school provides “highly effective support” for reading, ensuring most pupils develop into “fluent and confident readers.”
- Robust processes identify additional needs, allowing staff to adeptly design learning activities so pupils with SEND learn “well alongside their peers.”
- Pupils benefit from an “extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities,” including creative activities and debating, which build confidence and skills.
- The sixth form is praised for being “particularly diligent and studious,” with students serving as “very positive role models.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 57.3 |
| 2024/25 | 57.1 |
| 2025/26 | 57.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of M20 2ET, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT