Best 3 Secondary schools in Salford – 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 Swinton (Secondary) in Manchester; St Ambrose Barlow RC High School (Secondary) in Manchester; Irlam and Cadishead Academy (Secondary) in Manchester — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Co-op Academy Swinton, St Ambrose Barlow RC High School and Irlam and Cadishead Academy. They are secondary phase and academy converter, voluntary aided school and academy sponsor led type located around Manchester, Greater Manchester and Manchester. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Co-op Academy Swinton), published Jul 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Co-op Academy Swinton (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 950, combined total ≈ 2,850, typical FSM 30–35%, range 25–30%–35–40%; spread across trusts such as THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST and UNITED LEARNING TRUST.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Co-op Academy Swinton M27 6JU	St Ambrose Barlow RC High School M27 9QP	Irlam and Cadishead Academy M44 5ZR
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Voluntary aided school	Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location	Manchester Greater Manchester M27 6JU	Manchester M27 9QP	Manchester M44 5ZR
Latest Ofsted	2 8 Jul 2024	2 30 Apr 2024	2 25 Apr 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,000 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 800 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1075	1050	1050
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Not applicable
Trust / Local authority	THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST	Salford (355)	UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Website	swinton.coopacademies.co.uk	www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org	www.irlamandcadishead.org.uk
Telephone	01617946215	01619211570	01615370660
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Co-op Academy Swinton

M27 6JU

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Manchester
Greater Manchester
M27 6JU
Ofsted: 2 8 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,000 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: THE CO-OPERATIVE ACADEMIES TRUST
Website: swinton.coopacademies.co.uk
Telephone: 01617946215

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School

M27 9QP

Phase / Type: Secondary • Voluntary aided school
Location: Manchester
M27 9QP
Ofsted: 2 30 Apr 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Salford (355)
Website: www.stambrosebarlowswinton.org
Telephone: 01619211570

Irlam and Cadishead Academy

M44 5ZR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy sponsor led
Location: Manchester
M44 5ZR
Ofsted: 2 25 Apr 2024
Pupils: ≈ 800 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Website: www.irlamandcadishead.org.uk
Telephone: 01615370660

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.