The Orchards

  • Special
  • Free school
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Audley Avenue, Stretford, M32 9TGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Orchards is a special school in Stretford for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 101 schools in Trafford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 9 July 2019, report published 31 July 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 February 2025

The school's vision of 'championing remarkable children' is truly at the heart of everything the school does. Pupils thrive in this supportive, compassionate environment. They arrive full of joy in the morning. This is in part because the school respects pupils' rights and listens to their views and opinions. The school encourages and supports pupils to be themselves. Pupils' behaviour is exceptional. Staff are highly skilled in supporting pupils with their behaviour and emotions. Relationships between staff and pupils are key to the school's success. This allows staff to respond in highly effective ways when pupils need additional support. Over time, pupils become more successful in managing their own behaviour. This has a positive impact on their learning and attendance. The school is determined for each pupil to receive a high-quality education. It is focused clearly on ensuring that pupils, through their individual curriculum, gain the knowledge, skills and character needed to become as independent as possible in their future lives. Pupils achieve excellently across a range of curriculum areas. They are prepared splendidly for the next stage in their education. Pupils enjoy many experiences which promote their wider development. These include visiting the theatre, going to football matches and visiting local amenities.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

15 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 62 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score111

111, 5 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score111

111, 6 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

148 pupils on roll, with places for 149

Eligible for free school meals52.7%

52.7%, 26.2 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language37.8%

37.8%, 16.2 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support6.8%

6.8%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan93.2%

93.2%, 87.2 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Orchards

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Egerton High School0.4 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 10.8
Longford Park School2 milesOfsted: Requires improvement0% met the expected standard
Woodlands2 milesOfsted: Requires improvementNot published
New Park Academy2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 3.6
Acer Academy, Salford2 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published

School details

School type
Free schools special
Sector
Free school
Trust
BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Ms Helen O'Brien
Address
Audley Avenue, Stretford, M32 9TG
Local authority
Trafford
URN
142782

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.