St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School
37 Ash Drive, Wardley, Swinton, Manchester, M27 9QPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School is a secondary school in Manchester for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 131 schools in Salford. It ranks 40th of 60 secondary schools in Manchester. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 February 2024, report published 30 April 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 28 February 2024
Pupils feel valued, cared for and happy at this welcoming school. They spoke warmly of their positive relationships with staff. Pupils feel that they matter to their teachers. Pupils and staff are proud of the ways in which their school has improved in recent years. The school expects all pupils to achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils develop their knowledge well over time. They receive appropriate help and support. This is because staff understand and recognise individual pupils' needs. Pupils are rewarded for their positive behaviour, effort and achievement. Pupils typically behave well in lessons and around the school. Pupils feel safe in this school. Pupils are encouraged to follow the school's stated mission to 'love, learn and lead'. They develop respect for the opinions and beliefs of others. This learning helps everyone to feel included in the school, regardless of difference. Pupils develop a keen understanding of healthy relationships. They benefit from a wide range of clubs, activities and leadership opportunities. For example, pupils can become school councillors or prefects or lead activities, such as those during Black History Month.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, the school's strategies to identify and then address gaps in pupils' knowledge are less effective than in other curriculum areas. As a result, some key stage 4 pupils have misconceptions. This makes it difficult for them to build on what they know. The school should ensure that teachers use assessment strategies consistently well to address the learning gaps that pupils may have.
- A small group of pupils do not meet the school's expectations of their behaviour around the school. On occasions, this undermines the positive and respectful culture that the school has established. The school should ensure that these pupils are supported to develop positive attitudes and appropriate self-control.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
205 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
1,078 pupils on roll, with places for 1,050
Schools near St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Co-op Academy Swinton | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.6 |
| Moorside High School | 0.9 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Attainment 8: 41.8 |
| Co-op Academy Walkden | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 43.6 |
| Bridgewater School | 1 mile | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 38.0 |
| Kearsley Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 51.8 |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Sixth form
- No
- Headteacher
- Mr Ben Davis
- Phone
- 01619211570
- Address
- 37 Ash Drive, Wardley, Swinton, Manchester, M27 9QP
- Local authority
- Salford
- URN
- 105989
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.