North Cestrian School
Altrincham, WA14 4AJ · Trafford · secondary school
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9th of 18 secondary schools in Trafford we can score, 19 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.9/10 against 813 of them, against 8.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 58.4 · 79 | 30% | 2.38 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.49 · 83 | 25% | 2.08 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.9 · 80 | 10% | 0.80 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
North Cestrian School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 54.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.49 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 799 pupils against a stated capacity of 755. 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
What support is available for pupils who need to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll above its designated capacity?
What Ofsted said about North Cestrian School
Overview
North Cestrian School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a school with a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" where pupils behave very well and are prepared for life after school. Personal development is highlighted as the school’s "jewel in the crown," fostering confident and resilient students.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with teachers who are "knowledgeable about their subjects" and explain concepts clearly.
- Staff are "adept at identifying pupils’ additional needs," providing effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Pupils demonstrate high aspirations supported by "highly effective careers guidance" and a strong character development programme.
- There is a "calm and purposeful atmosphere for learning" with well-established routines and orderly behaviour.
- Staff are supported well, with time devoted to their professional development and educational research.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure appropriate support is in place for pupils who find reading difficult, particularly disadvantaged pupils, so they can "learn to read fluently and confidently."
- The school should develop a clear monitoring and evaluation system, as current processes are "not clearly defined," preventing a precise understanding of what is working well.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 55.0 |
| 2024/25 | 54.2 |
| 2025/26 | 52.9 |
| 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
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