The Orchards
URN: 142782 • Stretford M32 9TG
Overview
- Name
- The Orchards
- URN
- 142782
- Type
- Free schools special
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Trust
- BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 70.2 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Helen O'Brien (since 2025)
- Telephone
- 01617480670
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Audley Avenue, Stretford M32 9TG
Summary
The Orchards School is a special free school located in Stretford, Trafford, catering to children with a variety of learning difficulties. With a capacity of 144 pupils, the school operates under the Bright Futures Educational Trust and focuses on providing a child-centred learning environment. All students are either assessed for or have an Education, Health and Care Plan, ensuring tailored support for their individual needs.
The curriculum at The Orchards emphasizes promoting independence and enabling communication, fostering a holistic approach to education. The school engages students through hands-on learning experiences, such as exploring nature, cultural celebrations, and outdoor activities, which enrich their educational journey and personal development.
The Orchards also prioritises community involvement and family support, recognizing the vital role parents and carers play in the educational process. The school actively encourages collaboration with families to enhance the learning experience and ensure that each child thrives in a nurturing environment. For more information, visit their website at [The Orchards School](https://theorchards.bright-futures.co.uk/).
The curriculum at The Orchards emphasizes promoting independence and enabling communication, fostering a holistic approach to education. The school engages students through hands-on learning experiences, such as exploring nature, cultural celebrations, and outdoor activities, which enrich their educational journey and personal development.
The Orchards also prioritises community involvement and family support, recognizing the vital role parents and carers play in the educational process. The school actively encourages collaboration with families to enhance the learning experience and ensure that each child thrives in a nurturing environment. For more information, visit their website at [The Orchards School](https://theorchards.bright-futures.co.uk/).
Useful links
- Our Governors (governance)
- Pupil Attendance (sen)
- Leave of Absence (sen)
- SEN Report (sen)
- Calendar (calendar)
- News & Events (calendar)
- Letters Home (calendar)
- View All News (calendar)
- Newsletters (calendar)
- Admissions (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Pictor School (70.2)
- Brentwood School (69.6)
- Delamere School (67.1)
- Longford Park School (65.3)
- Afifah School (65.2)
Key details
- LA
- Trafford
- Age range
- 3 - 11
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST
- Capacity
- 144
- Pupils
- 144
- Boys
- 108
- Girls
- 36
- FSM %
- 57.20
- Open date
- 2016-09-01
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2019-07-10
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Greater Manchester
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 144 | 108 | 36 | 144 | 57.20 |
| 2024-09-11 | 133 | 102 | 31 | 141 | 57.00 |
| 2023-09-11 | 111 | 85 | 26 | 128 | 50.00 |
| 2022-09-11 | 111 | 85 | 26 | 102 | 50.00 |
| 2021-09-11 | 94 | 69 | 25 | 38.30 | |
| 2020-09-11 | 60 | 49 | 11 | 36.40 |
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