Best 3 Secondary schools in Manchester – comparison
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.
| 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
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.