Best 3 Secondary schools in Tameside – 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: Laurus Ryecroft (Secondary) in Manchester; St Damian's RC Science College (Secondary) in Ashton-under-Lyne; Copley Academy (Secondary) in Stalybridge — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Laurus Ryecroft, St Damian's RC Science College and Copley Academy. They are secondary phase and free schools, voluntary aided school and academy converter type located around Manchester, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire and Stalybridge, Cheshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Laurus Ryecroft), published Mar 2023. The lowest is 2 (Copley Academy), published Jul 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Copley Academy (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 850, combined total ≈ 2,550, typical FSM 30–35%, range 20–25%–40–45%; spread across trusts such as The Laurus Trust and Great Academies Education Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Laurus Ryecroft M43 7LJ	St Damian's RC Science College OL6 8BH	Copley Academy SK15 3RR
Phase / Type	Secondary • Free schools	Secondary • Voluntary aided school	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Manchester M43 7LJ	Ashton-under-Lyne Lancashire OL6 8BH	Stalybridge Cheshire SK15 3RR
Latest Ofsted	1 12 Mar 2023	1 28 Dec 2017	2 9 Jul 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 850 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	40–45% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1350	825	900
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	The Laurus Trust	Tameside (357)	Great Academies Education Trust
Website	www.laurusryecroft.org.uk	www.stdamians.co.uk	www.copleyacademy.org.uk
Telephone	01615075500	01613305974	01613386684
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Laurus Ryecroft

M43 7LJ

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Manchester
M43 7LJ
Ofsted: 1 12 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Laurus Trust
Website: www.laurusryecroft.org.uk
Telephone: 01615075500

St Damian's RC Science College

OL6 8BH

Phase / Type: Secondary • Voluntary aided school
Location: Ashton-under-Lyne
Lancashire
OL6 8BH
Ofsted: 1 28 Dec 2017
Pupils: ≈ 850 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Tameside (357)
Website: www.stdamians.co.uk
Telephone: 01613305974

Copley Academy

SK15 3RR

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Stalybridge
Cheshire
SK15 3RR
Ofsted: 2 9 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 40–45% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Great Academies Education Trust
Website: www.copleyacademy.org.uk
Telephone: 01613386684

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.