The Birches School
URN: 105613 • Manchester M20 2XZ
Overview
- Name
- The Birches School
- URN
- 105613
- Type
- Community special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 54.0 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Rob O'Hara (since 2025) , Headteacher
- Telephone
- 01614488895
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Newholme Road, Manchester M20 2XZ
Summary
The Birches School is a community special school located in South Manchester, catering to 170 pupils with a range of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). The school prides itself on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential. The dedicated multi-disciplinary team includes teaching staff, therapists, and support personnel, ensuring that each pupil receives tailored educational experiences.
The curriculum at The Birches is designed to promote independence, life skills, communication, and physical development, with a strong emphasis on creative subjects such as PE and music. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, and outdoor play areas, which enhance the learning experience. The school also engages in community activities and educational visits, fostering connections beyond the classroom.
Collaboration with parents and families is central to the school's ethos, with regular events and opportunities for involvement. The Birches has been recognised for its commitment to quality education, achieving Outstanding ratings from Ofsted and Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society.
The curriculum at The Birches is designed to promote independence, life skills, communication, and physical development, with a strong emphasis on creative subjects such as PE and music. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, and outdoor play areas, which enhance the learning experience. The school also engages in community activities and educational visits, fostering connections beyond the classroom.
Collaboration with parents and families is central to the school's ethos, with regular events and opportunities for involvement. The Birches has been recognised for its commitment to quality education, achieving Outstanding ratings from Ofsted and Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society.
Useful links
- Buddies of The Birches (other)
- School Spider (other)
- View us on a map (other)
- Ofsted Report (other)
- Follow Us (other)
- DfE School Performance Table (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Rowan Tree Primary School (72.9)
- The Manchester Metropolitan University (68.7)
- Delamere School (67.1)
- Springside (65.6)
- Longford Park School (65.3)
Key details
- LA
- Manchester
- Age range
- 4 - 11
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Capacity
- Pupils
- 170
- Boys
- 115
- Girls
- 55
- FSM %
- 60.00
- Open date
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2024-05-15
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 170 | 115 | 55 | 60.00 | |
| 2024-09-11 | 169 | 109 | 60 | 54.40 | |
| 2023-09-11 | 156 | 110 | 46 | 47.40 | |
| 2022-09-11 | 156 | 110 | 46 | 47.40 | |
| 2021-09-11 | 155 | 109 | 46 | 44.50 | |
| 2020-09-11 | 153 | 112 | 41 | 44.40 |
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