Laurus Ryecroft Review 2026: Academic Excellence in East Manchester

Rising from its inception in 2018 to become a cornerstone of secondary education in Droylsden, Laurus Ryecroft has quickly established a reputation for academic rigour that matches its ultra-modern campus. As part of the Laurus Trust, the school follows an unashamedly academic model, with recent GCSE results placing it among the highest performing non-selective schools in the region. The 1,350 capacity building, which fully opened in 2020 on Lumb Lane, provides a high-specification environment for 11 to 18 year olds. With an Outstanding rating from Ofsted and a Progress 8 score that sits comfortably within the top tier of schools in England, Laurus Ryecroft is a destination of choice for families seeking a grammar-school ethos within the state sector.

The atmosphere at Laurus Ryecroft is defined by a culture of high expectations and purposeful calm. The school operates under the leadership of Head of School Reece Carling, who took on the role in January 2024, supported by Executive Headteacher Martin Vevers. The school identity is anchored in the "Laurus Ethos," which prioritises academic achievement alongside the development of character through the "Laurus Qualities" of resilience, independence, and curiosity.

Physically, the school is a striking example of modern educational architecture. The purpose-built site features glass-fronted specialist wings and expansive sports facilities that signal a significant investment in the Droylsden area. Students wear a traditional uniform with pride, and the daily routine is structured to minimize friction and maximize learning time. There is a palpable sense of ambition here; students are encouraged to see themselves as future professionals and academic leaders from their first day in Year 7.

The academic performance at Laurus Ryecroft is exceptional for a non-selective secondary school. In 2024, 81% of pupils achieved grades 9-4 in English and Maths, with 56% reaching grade 5 or higher. The school achieved an Average Attainment 8 score of 52.3, significantly outperforming the England average. It ranks 934th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 15th among all secondary schools in the Manchester area, placing it in the top tier of schools in England.

Even more impressive is the Progress 8 score of +0.73, which leaders report is the highest in Tameside. This metric indicates that students at Laurus Ryecroft make nearly three-quarters of a grade more progress across eight subjects than students of similar ability in other schools. This confirms that the teaching model adds significant value to every student, regardless of their starting point. In the EBacc subjects, entry remains high at 78%, further demonstrating the school's commitment to a broad, traditional academic core.

The curriculum is unapologetically academic, with a heavy emphasis on the EBacc subjects: English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Languages. Teaching follows a highly structured "Explicit Instruction" model, ensuring that new concepts are introduced clearly and practiced until they are mastered. This approach is designed to build deep subject knowledge and reduce cognitive load, which students report helps them feel more confident during examinations.

Science is a particular area of strength, with students benefiting from state-of-the-art laboratories and a curriculum that encourages early specialization. Literacy is woven through every subject, with a "Drop Everything and Read" (DEAR) programme and a focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary to ensure students can access complex academic texts. The school Sixth Form continues this academic trajectory, offering a focused range of A Level subjects designed to facilitate entry into top-tier universities.

Where Students Go Next

As a relatively young school, the first cohorts are just beginning to establish the school university pipeline. The expectation set by the Laurus Trust is clear: the majority of students are prepared for university or high-level apprenticeships. The school provides a dedicated "Electives" programme that includes university preparation and career insights from Year 7 onwards.

For the post-16 cohort, the focus is firmly on Russell Group destinations. While specific leaver data for the newest Sixth Form cycles is currently being consolidated, the school high Progress 8 scores suggest that students are well-positioned for competitive entry. The school works closely with local businesses and higher education providers in Manchester to ensure students have a clear view of the pathways available in law, medicine, engineering, and the creative industries.

Laurus Ryecroft is fiercely oversubscribed, reflecting its status as one of the most desirable schools in Tameside and East Manchester. For the most recent intake, the school received 702 applications for approximately 201 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.49 applications per place. This means that for every student who secures a seat, nearly three others are disappointed.

Admissions are coordinated by Tameside Council. After priority is given to looked-after children and those with siblings at the school, places are allocated based on proximity. While the school does not have a formal catchment area, for September 2025 entry, students had to live within 1.15 miles of the school to secure a place. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Despite the academic intensity, pastoral care is robust and proactive. The school utilizes a "House System" which creates smaller communities within the larger school body, fostering a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Each student is part of a tutor group that meets daily, providing a consistent point of contact for both academic and social issues.

Behaviour is managed through a "no excuses" policy that is applied with consistency. This creates a predictable and safe environment where bullying is rare and low-level disruption is not tolerated. For students needing additional support, the school provides a dedicated Wellbeing Team and access to specialist services. The SENCO leads a team that ensures students with additional needs are fully integrated into the academic life of the school through tailored interventions.

The "Electives" programme is a core part of the school week, ensuring that every student engages in extracurricular activities. This is not a casual after-school add-on but a structured part of the "Laurus Qualities" development.

Sport

Facilities include a four-court sports hall, an all-weather 3G pitch, and specialist studios. The school competes at a high level in regional leagues and offers a specific Academic Football Pathway.

STEM

The "Animal Farm Club" and various coding initiatives are popular, utilizing the school modern IT suites to compete in national challenges.

Creative Arts

The school hosts regular performance evenings, and the music department offers tuition in a variety of instruments, with several student ensembles performing throughout the year.

STEM: Innovation at Scale

STEM provision is a flagship feature of Laurus Ryecroft. The school has invested heavily in industry-standard equipment, including advanced science facilities and coding resources. The "Laurus Science" curriculum is designed to spark early interest in engineering and medicine, with regular visits from industry professionals and university lecturers. This focus ensures that students are not just learning theory but are seeing the real-world application of their studies in the Manchester tech and medical sectors.

The school day begins at 8:30am and concludes at 3:00pm, though many students remain until 4:00pm for elective sessions. The site is well served by local transport, with the Lumb Lane location being accessible via various local bus routes. On-site parking is limited, and the school strongly encourages visitors to walk or use public transport where possible. Term dates for 2025-2026 follow the standard Tameside calendar, with the autumn term starting on 1 September 2025.

• Academic Pressure: The "Laurus Ethos" is high-octane. Students are expected to work hard and maintain high standards of discipline. This environment suits ambitious, self-motivated learners but may feel intense for those who prefer a more relaxed educational pace.
• Oversubscription: With over three applications for every place, entry is the primary hurdle. For the 2025 intake, the last distance offered was 1.15 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Traditional Approach: The school "no excuses" behaviour policy and strict uniform codes are central to its success. Families who prefer a more progressive or informal school culture might find this structure restrictive.

Laurus Ryecroft is an academic powerhouse that has successfully brought a grammar-school level of ambition to a Manchester state secondary. It combines exceptional facilities with a teaching model that delivers some of the best progress scores in the country. This school is best suited to students who are prepared to embrace a culture of high expectations and who want a clear, rigorous pathway to university. For families in Droylsden, it represents a gold-standard local option, provided they can secure a place in the face of significant demand.