The Birches School

A good community special school school in Manchester. Explore Ofsted ratings, admissions information, and performance data for The Birches School.

Manchester, M202XZ Ofsted: Good Age 4-11 Mixed intake
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Performance Score

Overall school rating

75

/ 100

Special weighted harmonic mean of 1 indicators

Indicators used for Special schools

Ofsted inspection outcome
75.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 100.0%
Raw: Good

How we weight each phase

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Primary schools

  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 40.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Secondary schools

  • Progress 8 score 40.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

All-through schools

  • Progress 8 score 25.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 15.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Secondary with Sixth Form schools

  • Progress 8 score 20.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • Continue in education or training 20.0%
  • Sustained employment 20.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Sixth Form Only schools

  • Continue in education or training 40.0%
  • Sustained employment 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Special schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Alternative Provision schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Independent schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Ofsted Inspection

Official inspection outcomes

Good
Overall effectiveness
Good
Last inspected
14 May 2024
Previous grade
Outstanding
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour & attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership & management
Good
Safeguarding
Effective

Source: Ofsted inspection outcomes. Grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate.

Contact Information

How to reach this school

Source: GIAS
Address
Newholme Road
West Didsbury
Manchester, M202XZ
Phone
1614488895
Website
thebirchesschool.org

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding
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School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS
URN
105613
Type
Community special school
Phase
Special
Address
Newholme Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2XZ
Website
www.thebirchesschool.org
Age range
4-11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Does not apply
School status
Open
Setting
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Sixth Form
No
Nursery
No

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils
169
Free School Meals
55.6% (94 pupils)
Special Educational Needs
100.0% (169 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate
90.7%
Good
Persistent Absence
31.7%
Missing 10%+ of school days

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size
10 pupils
Excellent
Pupils per Year Group
21
Average across all year groups
Total School Size
169 pupils
4-11

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

"Working Together, Achieving Together"

We respect one another We value the wellbeing of all staff and pupils We expect the best We value cooperative working We recognise that everyone is an individual and we value diversity We value learning

Head Teacher's Message

I hope that our pupils are happy and every one is supported to reach their full potential whilst they are here with us at The Birches.

Facilities

Hydrotherapy pool Outdoor play areas Sensory garden Two multisensory rooms Two soft play areas

Curriculum Highlights

Umbrella topics for Autumn, Spring and Summer terms Cycle A topic coverage (Cycle A) for KS2 EYFS Topic Cycle KS1 Topic Cycle KS2 Topic Cycle RE is not taught as a discrete subject but is included in our Cultural Capital Offer

Admissions Criteria

Admissions are determined by Manchester Local Authority in consultation with Parents/Carers and the Headteacher. Pupils are referred to The Birches by Manchester Local Authority, which consults with the school on suitability. The majority of pupils have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) on admission to The Birches. Those children who do not have an EHCP may have a Statement from another Local Authority or may be children who have arrived from abroad but who show evidence of having cognition and learning difficulties. In these cases we will begin the EHCP process on admission to school.

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