Best 3 Secondary schools in Manchester – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Co-op Academy Belle Vue (Secondary) in Manchester; Didsbury High School (Secondary) in Manchester; Burnage Academy for Boys (Secondary) in Manchester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Co-op Academy Belle Vue, Didsbury High School and Burnage Academy for Boys. They are secondary phase and free schools and academy converter type located around Manchester. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Co-op Academy Belle Vue), published May 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Co-op Academy Belle Vue (May 2024). average roll around ≈ 950, combined total ≈ 2,900, typical FSM 45–50%, range 40–45%–55–60%; spread across trusts such as THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST and The Laurus Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Co-op Academy Belle Vue M12 4BA	Didsbury High School M20 2ET	Burnage Academy for Boys M19 1ER
Phase / Type	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Manchester M12 4BA	Manchester M20 2ET	Manchester M19 1ER
Latest Ofsted	1 13 May 2024	1 10 Mar 2024	1 24 Oct 2018
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 700 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,000 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	55–60% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	40–45% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	45–50% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1200	1350	1086
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Boys
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST	The Laurus Trust	Manchester (352)
Website	bellevue.coopacademies.co.uk	www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk	www.burnage.manchester.sch.uk
Telephone	01612503101	01615075600	01614321527
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Co-op Academy Belle Vue

M12 4BA

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Manchester
M12 4BA
Ofsted: 1 13 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 700 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 55–60% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST
Website: bellevue.coopacademies.co.uk
Telephone: 01612503101

Didsbury High School

M20 2ET

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Manchester
M20 2ET
Ofsted: 1 10 Mar 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Laurus Trust
Website: www.didsburyhighschool.org.uk
Telephone: 01615075600

Burnage Academy for Boys

M19 1ER

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Manchester
M19 1ER
Ofsted: 1 24 Oct 2018
Pupils: ≈ 1,000 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 45–50% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Manchester (352)
Website: www.burnage.manchester.sch.uk
Telephone: 01614321527

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.