Manor High School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Community Setting

Manor High School stands as a prominent fixture in Oadby, serving a diverse community on the leafy fringes of Leicester. Originally a middle school, it successfully transitioned to a full 11 to 16 secondary years ago, and its performance indicates it has more than found its stride. The school's 2024 GCSE outcomes place it in the top tier of state schools in England, driven by a culture that balances high academic expectations with a clear sense of social responsibility. With a capacity of 1,050 students, it is large enough to offer a broad curriculum while maintaining a reputation for knowing its students well.

Mr Simon Greiff has led the school as Headteacher since August 2023, overseen by the Oak Multi Academy Trust. The 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed the school remains Good, noting that pupils work hard and achieve very well within a purposeful atmosphere. This collaborative framework supports a stable learning environment that local families have come to trust implicitly.

The atmosphere at Manor High is one of calm, focused ambition. At the start of the day, students arrive at the Copse Close campus with a sense of purpose that reflects the school's core values. The physical environment is a blend of original structures and modern additions, including the newer sports hall and specialist science labs that accommodate its expanded secondary cohort.

The school's ethos is built on the Manor High Core Values, which include Resilience, Reflection, and Resourcefulness. These are not merely decorative posters in the corridors; they are woven into the reward systems and the way students interact with staff. There is a palpable sense of pride among the student body, often noted by external visitors who remark on the polite and helpful nature of the students.

Socially, the school is a melting pot that reflects the multicultural demographics of Oadby and the wider Leicester area. This diversity is celebrated through various cultural events and a curriculum that seeks to provide a global perspective. The result is a school that feels inclusive and grounded, where academic pressure is mitigated by a strong sense of community belonging.

The 2024 academic data tells a story of significant achievement. Manor High School ranks 604th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably within the top tier of schools in England (national strong band). Locally, it ranks 6th among secondary providers in Leicestershire, outperforming many larger and more established institutions.

The Attainment 8 score of 56.8 is well above the England average. More impressively, the Progress 8 score of +0.69 indicates that students make significantly more progress from their primary school starting points than their peers nationally. This value-added metric is a hallmark of the school, suggesting that teaching effectively supports students of all ability levels. In the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 44.6% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above, significantly exceeding the England average of 24.2%.

The curriculum at Manor High is designed to be academic and rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the EBacc subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Languages. In Year 7 and 8, students follow a broad programme that includes Latin and a choice of modern foreign languages. The school uses a carefully considered order for subject content, ensuring students build on prior knowledge effectively.

Teaching is characterized by high levels of subject expertise. Teachers use structured retrieval practice to ensure knowledge is embedded over time, a technique that students credit for their confidence during exam seasons. Science is a particular strength, supported by well-equipped laboratories and a high uptake of Triple Science at GCSE.

For students requiring additional support, the Special Educational Needs department provides tailored interventions. While the school does not have a designated SEN unit, it uses a graduated approach to inclusion, ensuring that students with EHCPs or additional learning needs are supported within the mainstream classroom through high-quality scaffolding and teaching assistant support.

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. Manor High has established strong links with local post-16 providers to ensure students have a clear pathway forward. Data indicates that 97% of students stay in education or employment after Key Stage 4, with 52% progressing to sixth form colleges and 27% to other school sixth forms.

The school's careers programme, which meets all eight Gatsby Benchmarks, begins in Year 7. By the time students reach Year 11, they have had multiple opportunities for employer encounters, college visits, and 1 to 1 careers guidance. This structured support is reflected in the school's high staying-in-education rates, with almost all leavers securing a place in further education or apprenticeships.

Manor High School is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity within the Oadby community and beyond. For recent entry cycles, the school received over 700 applications for 207 places, making it one of the most competitive schools in the Leicestershire local authority.

Admissions are managed by Leicestershire County Council. After looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, priority is given to those living within the catchment area. For 2026 entry, applications close on 31 October 2025, with National Offer Day on 02 March 2026. Parents are encouraged to attend the annual open evening in October to understand the criteria and view the facilities firsthand.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Manor High School does not charge tuition fees. The school is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not limit student potential.

The school receives Pupil Premium funding, which is used to raise the achievement of disadvantaged students. This funding is also utilized to offer financial assistance for essential activities and resources, such as school uniform, curriculum-linked trips, and learning support. Families who are eligible for Free School Meals are encouraged to register, even if they do not intend to access the meals, as this qualifies the school for additional Pupil Premium support.

Pastoral care is organized through a traditional House system, which fosters a sense of healthy competition and vertical integration across year groups. Each student is part of a tutor group that meets daily, providing a consistent point of contact for both academic and emotional support.

The school takes a proactive approach to mental health, with warm and respectful relationships between staff and students noted by inspectors. Behaviour is often exemplary, with students conducting themselves in a calm and orderly manner. The Manor Spirit rewards programme celebrates non-academic achievements, such as kindness and community service, ensuring that every student's contribution is recognized.

Extracurricular life at Manor High is vibrant and varied, offering students a chance to develop interests outside the formal curriculum. Sport is a major pillar, with the school fielding competitive teams in football, netball, rugby, and cricket. The school's sports facilities, including the all-weather pitches, are used extensively for both lessons and after-school fixtures.

The creative arts also thrive here. The performing arts department facilitates regular productions and musical ensembles. For those interested in STEM, the school offers various enrichment opportunities to apply technical skills. The school also provides a before and after school study club and a study centre open until 5:30pm, which are popular among students in Years 10 and 11.

All students are expected to be on the school site by 8:30am, with the first tutorial beginning at 8:40am. The last lesson of the day ends at 3:05pm. For students needing to arrive early, a free before-school care option is available from 8:05am.

The Study Centre remains open until 5:30pm Monday to Friday, providing a safe and productive space for students to complete homework or engage in independent study. Travel to the school is primarily via Copse Close. No parents are permitted to bring cars onto the site between 8:00am and 4:00pm to ensure student safety, and the school actively encourages students to walk or cycle where possible.

• Significant Oversubscription: With high application numbers for every place, securing a spot at Manor High is a major challenge for those living outside the immediate catchment area. Families should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.
• 11 to 16 Structure: Unlike some local competitors, Manor High does not have its own sixth form. While the transition support is excellent, students must be prepared to move to a new environment for their A-levels or vocational studies at age 16.
• Academic Pace: The school's commitment to the EBacc and its high-performing culture means the academic pace is brisk. Students who thrive on challenge will do well here, but those who prefer a more vocational or less exam-centric approach may find the environment demanding.
• Catchment Pressures: Oadby is a popular residential area specifically because of its schools. This creates high demand for housing within the catchment, and the boundary for successful applicants can be tight.

Manor High School is a powerhouse of state education in Leicestershire, combining impressive academic results with a genuine heart for its community. It successfully bridges the gap between a high-stakes exam environment and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Best suited to academically motivated students who want a rigorous education within a diverse and respectful community. The primary hurdle remains the admissions process; for those who secure a place, the educational outcomes are among the strongest in the region.