The Kingsway School Review 2026: A Large Secondary with a Purposeful Trajectory

The Kingsway School is a large, split site secondary school serving the Cheadle and Cheadle Hulme communities. Operating across two campuses, the Broadway and Foxland sites, the school provides a mainstream education for approximately 1,300 students aged 11 to 16. As part of the Education Learning Trust, it benefits from a wider network of professional expertise, which has been crucial during its recent period of leadership transition.

Ms Anna Fowler currently leads the school as Headteacher, having taken the helm during a pivotal chapter in the school's development. The latest full inspection by Ofsted in May 2023 resulted in a Requires Improvement rating, though monitoring visits since then have noted a school with a clearer sense of direction and higher expectations. Academically, the school sits in the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting solid performance in a highly competitive local landscape.

The dual campus nature of The Kingsway School creates a unique environment where a large student body is managed through smaller, more manageable site communities. The atmosphere is energetic and diverse, reflecting the broad intake from across Stockport. Since the arrival of the current leadership team, there has been a significant shift toward a more orderly and predictable culture.

The school values of Opportunity, Achievement, and Respect are woven into the Kingsway Way, a set of behavioral standards designed to foster a safe and focused learning environment. While the school's size is substantial, students often speak of the trusted adults they can turn to, and a sense of belonging is encouraged through the house system.

Academic performance at The Kingsway School remains stable and in line with national trends. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 45, which is consistent with the England average of 45.9. This metric, which measures achievement across eight core subjects, suggests that students generally perform at the expected level for their age group.

Ranked 2,006th in England and 5th in Cheadle for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school's performance reflects its position as a solid, local choice. The Progress 8 score of -0.26 indicates that, on average, students make slightly less progress than their peers nationally from their starting points in primary school. However, leaders have identified this as a key area for improvement, with a sharpened focus on the quality of education for all learners.

The curriculum at Kingsway is designed to be ambitious and inclusive. Students study a traditional range of academic subjects alongside a variety of vocational options, ensuring a pathway is available for every interest. In 2024, 42% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths, compared to the England average of 45.9%.

Teaching is increasingly consistent across departments as leaders embed new frameworks for classroom practice. There is a strong emphasis on subject expertise, particularly in the core areas of Science and English. For students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the school provides tailored support, though recent external reviews have emphasized the need for even greater precision in how this support is integrated into everyday lessons.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical phase. The Kingsway School maintains strong links with local further education providers, ensuring students are well prepared for their next steps.

A significant proportion of leavers progress to Sixth Form Colleges, with approximately 42% choosing this route. Popular destinations include Cheadle College, Marple Sixth Form College, and Stockport College. A further 44% typically move into other further education providers, while a smaller number secure apprenticeships or direct employment. The school's careers programme, which includes mock interviews and industry visits, is designed to broaden horizons and raise aspirations before students leave the Broadway and Foxland gates.

The Kingsway School is a sought after choice and is consistently oversubscribed. For the most recent intake, there were 514 applications for 301 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.71.

Admissions are coordinated by Stockport Council. For September 2026 entry, the application window opens on 15 August 2025 and closes on 31 October 2025. Offers are typically released on National Offer Day, 2 March 2026. The school has a defined catchment area, and parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school compared to previous years.

Managing a large student body requires robust pastoral structures, and Kingsway organizes this through a year group and tutor system. The school has invested heavily in student wellbeing, with a dedicated safeguarding team that was found to be effective in the latest inspection.

While behavior has been a focus of recent improvements, most students report feeling happy and safe. The school operates a zero tolerance policy toward discriminatory language and bullying, and when issues are reported, leaders take appropriate action. Support for mental health is provided through internal counselors and partnerships with local Stockport services.

The extracurricular programme is a point of pride, with activities designed to cater to a wide range of interests. Sport is a major pillar, utilizing the school's extensive fields for football, rugby, and netball. Kingsway teams frequently compete in local and regional competitions, fostering a strong sense of school pride.

Other pillars include:

• Creative Arts: The school hosts annual theatrical productions and musical showcases, providing a platform for performers and technicians alike.

• STEM Excellence: Coding clubs and science societies allow students to explore technical subjects beyond the standard curriculum.

• Leadership & Adventure: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is highly popular, with many students progressing to the Silver level.

The school day begins at 8:40 am and concludes at 3:05 pm. Students travel between the Broadway and Foxland sites during the day as required for specialist lessons.

Travel to the school is well supported by local bus routes, and Cheadle Hulme station is approximately a 15 minute walk away. Due to the residential nature of both sites, parking is extremely limited, and the school strongly encourages students to walk, cycle, or use public transport.

• Ofsted Status: The school is currently rated Requires Improvement. While monitoring visits show positive progress, parents should look for evidence of how new leadership is sustaining these improvements.
• Progress 8 Score: With a score of -0.26, some students make less progress here than at other local schools. It is worth discussing with the school how they support individual learners to reach their full potential.
• Split Site Logistics: Moving between two campuses requires students to be organized and punctual. This may be a challenge for some, though it does help create smaller communities within a large school.
• Competition for Places: With nearly two applications for every place, entry is competitive. Proximity to the school is often the deciding factor.

The Kingsway School is a secondary school with a clear mission to raise standards and provide a broad, supportive education for the Cheadle community. Under new leadership, it is addressing previous challenges with transparency and vigor. Best suited to students who thrive in a large, bustling environment and who are ready to take advantage of extensive extracurricular opportunities. The challenge lies in securing a place; once inside, the school offers a purposeful environment with an eye firmly on the future.