Saint Ambrose College

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Report card: Strong standard to exceptional

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

Attainment 8 score76.2

76.2, 30.1 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths98%

98%, 52.6 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths100%

100%, 35.2 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc77.3%

77.3%, 36.8 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score7.10

7.10, 3.01 above the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

126 students

Average point score per A level entry44.54

44.54, 9.54 above the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade B+, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,096 pupils on roll, with places for 1,050

Eligible for free school meals6.5%

6.5%, 20 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language9.3%

9.3%, 12.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support4.8%

4.8%, 10 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan0.7%

0.7%, 5.3 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Saint Ambrose College

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Altrincham College0.9 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 48.5
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys1 mileOfsted: OutstandingAttainment 8: 78.5
Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College1 mileOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 48.9
Dixons Newall Green Academy2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Wellington School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 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
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.