Oasis Academy MediaCityUK Review 2026: Media-Rich Learning in Salford

Oasis Academy MediaCityUK sits at the heart of Salford’s digital and creative hub, occupying a striking modern building that reflects the regeneration of the local area. As a mixed secondary school serving students aged 11 to 16, it operates under the Oasis Community Learning trust. The academy is positioned within walking distance of the BBC and ITV studios, a location that heavily influences its curriculum and identity.

While the academy serves a diverse urban community with significant pockets of deprivation, it maintains a steady reputation, currently holding a Good rating from Ofsted. With a capacity for 1,150 students, it provides a medium-sized secondary environment where the focus remains firmly on preparing young people for life in a rapidly changing digital economy. The academy is led by Principal Christian Harris, who took up the leadership in September 2025. Harris brought more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role, succeeding Paul McEvoy with a clear vision for high expectations in teaching and learning.

The atmosphere at Oasis Academy MediaCityUK is one of urban ambition. The physical environment is defined by its purpose-built glass and steel architecture, featuring open-plan learning zones and professional-grade studios that feel more like a modern workplace than a traditional Victorian school. This professional feel is intentional, designed to mirror the industry standards of its high-profile neighbors in MediaCityUK.

The academy’s identity is deeply rooted in the Oasis Hub model, which views the school as more than just an educational institution. It functions as a community resource, offering support services to local families and promoting a culture based on the Oasis 9 Habits, which include being patient, kind, and humble. These values are woven into the daily life of the students, aiming to develop character alongside academic skills.

Despite the modern exterior, the school maintains a structured and orderly environment. Students wear a formal uniform of purple blazers, and there is a clear emphasis on discipline and mutual respect. The student body is diverse, reflecting the multicultural makeup of Salford and Manchester, and the school is noted for its inclusive approach to students from varied backgrounds.

Academic performance at Oasis Academy MediaCityUK reflects the challenges and progress of an inner-city school. In the most recent published data, the academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 38.7. While this sits below the England average, it represents a steady performance for a school with a high proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ranked 3,001st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 66th among schools in Manchester, the academy’s performance sits in the lower 40% of schools in England. The Progress 8 score of -0.51 indicates that, on average, students achieve about half a grade lower than similar students across England starting from the same point. However, these figures often mask strong performance in specific vocational and creative subjects that are central to the school’s mission.

In terms of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 10.9% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above across the core subjects. The average EBacc APS score of 3.42 reflects the school's ongoing efforts to encourage more students toward a traditional academic pathway while maintaining its specialist vocational appeal.

Teaching at the academy is designed to be highly interactive, utilizing the Oasis Horizons initiative. This programme provides every student and staff member with an iPad, which is used daily for lessons, homework, and digital creativity. This integration of technology is a clear strength, ensuring that students are digitally literate regardless of their home circumstances.

The curriculum is broad, but it is the specialist facilities that set it apart. The school offers a range of vocational qualifications that capitalize on its location, including Creative iMedia, Performing Arts, and Hospitality and Catering. Science and Mathematics are taught in dedicated suites, with a focus on practical application.

External observations confirm that teachers have strong subject knowledge and that the school has worked hard to create a more ambitious curriculum. There is a heavy focus on literacy and word power, particularly in Year 7 and 8, to ensure students can access the full breadth of the GCSE specifications as they get older.

Extracurricular life at Oasis Academy MediaCityUK is heavily influenced by its proximity to the media industry. The academy offers specific clubs that you won't find in every secondary school, such as the Media Hub, where students learn film editing and broadcast skills, and the Robotics Club, which utilizes the school's STEM facilities.

Sport remains a pillar of school life, with regular fixtures in football and basketball. The school makes use of its AstroTurf pitch and multi-use games area for both curriculum PE and after-school clubs. For students interested in the arts, the school holds regular performances in its purpose-built theatre space and offers a choir and various music ensembles.

The academy also emphasizes leadership through the Student Council and various Hub volunteer opportunities, encouraging students to take an active role in Salford life.

Oasis Academy MediaCityUK is a popular choice for families in the Salford Quays and Ordsall areas. For the most recent entry cycle, the academy received 294 applications for its 205 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.43. This indicates that the school is oversubscribed, with more first-preference applications than available spots.

Admissions are coordinated by Salford City Council. After children with an EHCP naming the school and looked-after children, priority is given to those with siblings and then based on distance. While the academy does not publish a specific last distance offered figure like some suburban schools, the high demand means that families living outside the immediate Ordsall or Salford Quays area may find it difficult to secure a place during the first round of offers.

The school’s pastoral system is organized into year groups, each led by a Head of Year and supported by a non-teaching Pastoral Lead. This structure ensures that there is always an adult available to deal with social or emotional issues that do not necessarily require a teacher's intervention.

Oasis Academy MediaCityUK operates as a trauma-informed school, meaning staff are trained to recognize the signs of emotional distress and respond with support rather than just sanctions. The Hub provides additional layers of support, including access to food banks, clothing banks, and family counseling, recognizing that a student's wellbeing is inextricably linked to their home environment.

The school day begins at 8:25 am and concludes at 2:45 pm for most students, though Year 11 students often stay later for Period 6 intervention sessions. The academy is exceptionally well-served by public transport; it is located just a short walk from the Broadway and MediaCityUK Metrolink stops, making it accessible from across Salford and Manchester.

For families requiring information on travel, the school encourages the use of the Manchester Bee Network for bus and tram routes. Secure bike storage is available on-site to encourage students to cycle to school.

• Academic Progress: With a Progress 8 score of -0.51, the academy is currently performing below the England average for student growth. While the school is on an improvement trajectory, parents seeking a highly traditional academic results factory may find the focus here is more balanced toward vocational and digital skills.
• Oversubscription: The school is currently at capacity and oversubscribed. Families moving into the area mid-term may face a waiting list, and it is vital to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check proximity to the gate before applying.
• Digital Immersion: The iPads-for-all policy is central to learning. While this is a major benefit for digital skills, families who prefer a low-tech or more traditional pen-and-paper approach should be aware that technology is pervasive here.
• No Sixth Form: The academy only goes up to Year 11. Students must transition to local colleges such as Salford City College or Loreto College for A-levels or BTECs.

Oasis Academy MediaCityUK is a modern, forward-thinking school that successfully leverages its unique location to provide students with digital opportunities they might not get elsewhere. It is an inclusive community that provides a strong safety net for its students through the Oasis Hub model. Best suited to local Salford families who want a digitally-integrated education and a school that acts as a genuine community anchor.