Saint Ambrose College
Hale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham, WA15 0HEOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Saint Ambrose College is a secondary school in Altrincham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 101 schools in Trafford. It ranks 4th of 8 secondary schools in Altrincham. Its latest Ofsted outcome is a report card, from an inspection in November 2025.
Ofsted report card
Inspected 25 November 2025, report published 1 March 2026
Each area is graded from urgent improvement to exceptional, and safeguarding is either met or not met.
- Inclusion
- Strong standard
- Curriculum and teaching
- Strong standard
- Achievement
- Exceptional
- Attendance and behaviour
- Strong standard
- Personal development and wellbeing
- Exceptional
- Leadership and governance
- Strong standard
- Post-16 provision
- Strong standard
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 25 November 2025
For many pupils, their experience at Saint Ambrose College is transformational. From the time that they start at the school, they are part of a community where their best interests always come first. Leaders are passionate about creating courageous and empathetic young men. The whole staff team embody the school's values. Pupils say that staff act as very positive role models. As a result, pupils contribute to the highly positive and inclusive atmosphere that pervades the school. Pupils are proud to be an ‘Ambrosian’. They take their responsibilities seriously, such as being a student leader. The older students look after, support and mentor the younger pupils. All pupils look out for each other. Pupils say that what impresses them most about the school is the culture of respect, where different views are heard and all opinions are valued. Pupils’ behaviour is impeccable. They demonstrate very high levels of respect, consideration and care towards each other. Pupils say they feel safe and that staff are willing to listen to and resolve any worries that they may have, including very rare instances of bullying. Pupils benefit from a superb range of opportunities and activities that develop ‘the whole person’. Their academic, sporting and creative skills as well as their individual talents and interests are provided the time and space to flourish. The opportunities that pupils have to serve others deepens their character, their empathy and their understanding of those who are different to themselves. Pupils love coming to school and attend regularly. Many said that the highly positive experiences that they have at the school are what gets them out of bed in the morning. Pupils are excited about the ambitious curriculum that the school provides. They benefit from high-quality teaching. Teachers effectively remove any barriers to learning so that all pupils achieve incredibly well. As a result, pupils are very 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.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
150 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
126 students
Average A level grade B+, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,096 pupils on roll, with places for 1,050
Schools near Saint Ambrose College
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altrincham College | 0.9 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 48.5 |
| Altrincham Grammar School for Boys | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 78.5 |
| Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Good | Attainment 8: 48.9 |
| Dixons Newall Green Academy | 2 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| Wellington School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 57.3 |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE LAETARE CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Boys
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Admissions
- Selective
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Dermot Rainey
- Phone
- 01619802711
- Address
- Hale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham, WA15 0HE
- Local authority
- Trafford
- URN
- 138134
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.