Chorlton High School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 November 2025

At Chorlton High School, pupils flourish. They are proud to belong and contribute to a high- achieving and caring community, where difference is welcomed and diversity is celebrated. Pupils know that their voice matters and that staff will support them when they face challenges. This creates a calm and purposeful atmosphere, where pupils feel safe to be themselves. Pupils know that adults will not give up on them. This encourages them to strive relentlessly to meet the high expectations that they are surrounded by. Pupils treat each other with respect. They are rewarded regularly for their positive behaviour and if they struggle, they are skilfully supported by adults who know them well. This ensures that staff know how to resolve disputes and restore positive behaviours. Pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have additional barriers to their learning, achieve highly. They enjoy a broad and rich curriculum that appeals to their interests and talents. As a result, pupils attend school regularly and engage enthusiastically in their lessons. They benefit from a consistently high standard of teaching across subjects. Expert staff understand individual pupils' needs. Staff reduce barriers to learning and close any gaps in pupils' knowledge. This helps pupils, from a range of different starting points, to develop a deep body of knowledge and skills. Pupils' outcomes have been above average in national examinations and they continue to improve across a wide range of subjects. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps in education, employment and training. Pupils benefit from the emphasis that the school places upon their wider development and enrichment opportunities. The personal development programme is responsive to local and national risks, for example pupils recently took part in an interactive drama performance exploring the dangers of knife crime. As a result, pupils develop a rich understanding of the wider world and are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

What the school should improve

• Leaders and those responsible for governance should sustain the effectiveness of their work in all areas. They should seek continued improvement, overcoming barriers and challenges, in order to drive a transformational impact for all pupils. This includes disadvantaged pupils, those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, those who are known (or previously known) to children's social care, and those who may face other barriers to their learning and/or wellbeing.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)