The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College
URN: 105581 • Manchester M20 6BX
Overview
- Name
- The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College
- URN
- 105581
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Roman Catholic
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 58.8 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Claire Wallace (since 2025) , Headteacher
- Telephone
- 01614458053
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Parrs Wood Road, Manchester M20 6BX
Summary
The Barlow RC High School is a mixed voluntary aided secondary school located in East Didsbury, Manchester, serving 918 pupils with a capacity of 900. Established in 1985, the school operates within the Catholic educational framework and is part of the Salford diocesan family of schools. The Barlow prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum designed to foster academic excellence and personal development. With a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching, The Barlow aims to nurture each pupil's talents and abilities, encouraging them to achieve their full potential. The school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in June 2024 and received an 'Outstanding' judgement in all areas during its recent diocesan inspection in May 2025.
The Barlow is committed to providing a supportive environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. The school promotes core values of service, prayer, achievement, and respect, fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging pupils to contribute positively to society.
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum designed to foster academic excellence and personal development. With a strong emphasis on high-quality teaching, The Barlow aims to nurture each pupil's talents and abilities, encouraging them to achieve their full potential. The school was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in June 2024 and received an 'Outstanding' judgement in all areas during its recent diocesan inspection in May 2025.
The Barlow is committed to providing a supportive environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities. The school promotes core values of service, prayer, achievement, and respect, fostering a strong sense of community and encouraging pupils to contribute positively to society.
Useful links
- SEND (sen)
- Prospectus (download)
- Admissions (other)
- Skip to main content (other)
- Admissions Adm (other)
- Communication & Newsletters (other)
- Term dates Ter (other)
- Term Dates (other)
- School Policies & Procedures (other)
- Parents (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Wright Robinson College (79.2)
- Wright Robinson College (72.6)
- Middleton Technology School (70.2)
- Urmston Grammar School (70.2)
- Parrs Wood High School (68.2)
Key details
- LA
- Manchester
- Age range
- 11 - 16
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- 900
- Pupils
- 918
- Boys
- 481
- Girls
- 437
- FSM %
- 38.80
- Open date
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2024-06-12
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 918 | 481 | 437 | 900 | 38.80 |
| 2024-09-11 | 898 | 490 | 408 | 900 | 38.10 |
| 2023-09-11 | 876 | 448 | 428 | 900 | 35.60 |
| 2022-09-11 | 876 | 448 | 428 | 900 | 35.60 |
| 2021-09-11 | 866 | 439 | 427 | 900 | 32.20 |
| 2020-09-11 | 870 | 440 | 430 | 900 | 26.60 |
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