Our Lady's RC High School: A Faith-Centred Community in Higher Blackley

Located in Higher Blackley, just four miles north of Manchester city centre, Our Lady’s RC High School stands as a distinct educational landmark on Alworth Road. Serving the Catholic community of North Manchester, the school operates under the trusteeship of the Diocese of Salford. It is a place where religious character is not merely a label but the operating system of daily life. The school caters to approximately 900 students aged 11 to 16, providing a co-educational environment that feels noticeably smaller and more personal than many of the city’s large academies.

While many schools chase metrics above all else, Our Lady’s explicitly positions itself as a community driven by Gospel values. This is not to say academic rigour is absent; recent results demonstrate pupils make above-average progress from their starting points. However, the school’s identity is forged primarily through its pastoral warmth and spiritual mission. Leadership has seen stability and clear direction under Mr Lee Ormsby, the Headteacher, who has maintained the school's 'Good' Ofsted rating while navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape. For families in North Manchester, it offers a traditional, disciplined, and nurturing alternative to the large secular comprehensives, provided they can navigate the competitive admissions process.

The first thing visitors notice is the atmosphere of ordered calm. In a sector where 'strict' can sometimes mean 'sterile', Our Lady's manages to balance high expectations with genuine warmth. The school’s motto, Aspire not to have more, but to be more (words of Saint Oscar Romero), is visible in the physical environment and audible in the way staff speak to students. This focus on 'being' rather than 'having' permeates the culture, creating an environment where character development is given equal weighting to grade acquisition.

The campus itself is a functional blend of mid-20th-century architecture and modern additions. While it lacks the glass-and-steel grandeur of some newly built academies, the site is well-maintained and clearly loved. The Chapel sits literally and metaphorically at the heart of the school, serving as a constant reminder of the institution's core purpose. It is not a dusty relic visited once a term but a living space used daily for prayer, reflection, and form services.

Students wear their uniform with notable pride. The blazer is a signifier of belonging to a 'family', a word used frequently by the leadership team. This family ethos is structurally supported by a strong pastoral system. Unlike schools that rely solely on year heads, Our Lady's integrates form tutors, pastoral managers, and the chaplaincy team into a cohesive support network. The result is a school where students feel known. In the corridors, interactions are polite and respectful; the boisterous energy of 900 teenagers is channelled rather than suppressed.

The spiritual life of the school is led by a dedicated Lay Chaplain, a role that is central to the student experience. The chaplaincy team organises retreats, coordinates the active 'GIFT' (Growing in Faith Together) team, and ensures that the Catholic ethos translates into tangible social action. Students are regularly involved in fundraising for Caritas and local food banks, learning that faith requires active service.

In 2024, Our Lady's RC High School delivered a solid set of academic results that reflect effective teaching and strong pupil progress. The headline Progress 8 score of +0.33 is particularly significant. This metric indicates that students at Our Lady's achieve, on average, a third of a grade higher across their subjects than students of similar prior ability nationally. This positive value-added score suggests the school is adding genuine educational value, helping students outperform expectations regardless of their starting point.

In terms of attainment, the school ranks 1689th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 37% of schools nationally. This positions the school in the 'in line with the middle 35% of schools in England' band, reflecting performance that is solid and reliable. Locally, it ranks 32nd in Manchester, a competitive authority with several high-performing providers.

Attainment 8, which measures the average grade across eight key subjects, stood at 48.6. This is higher than the England average of 45.9, confirming that students leave with qualifications that hold currency for their next steps.

The curriculum structure prioritises core subjects but maintains breadth. The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) entry rate is 16.1%, which is lower than the England average of 40.5%. This indicates that the school does not force students down a narrow academic track of languages and humanities if it does not suit them. Instead, there is flexibility to choose creative or vocational options alongside the core academic diet. For the 16% who do follow the full EBacc suite, the Average Point Score is 4.26, exceeding the England average of 4.08.

Teaching is underpinned by clear routines. Lessons typically begin with a prayer or reflection, settling the class before academic work commences. Teachers demonstrate strong subject knowledge, and the school has invested in professional development to ensure consistency in delivery. The 'Good' rating from Ofsted (confirmed in the November 2021 inspection) validated the quality of education, noting that leaders have constructed an ambitious curriculum.

The approach to teaching at Our Lady's is traditional and structured. Classrooms are set up to minimise distraction, and there is a clear focus on direct instruction. Teachers lead the learning, modelling concepts clearly before students move to independent practice. This methodology benefits students who thrive on clarity and routine.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum (Years 7-9) is broad, covering the full National Curriculum including Art, Drama, Music, and Technology. Religious Education is, naturally, a core subject for all students throughout their five years. It is treated with the same academic rigour as English or Mathematics, and GCSE outcomes in RE are consistently strong.

At Key Stage 4, the options process is guided carefully. While the EBacc numbers are lower than average, this reflects a bespoke approach to pathways rather than a lack of ambition. Students can select from a range of GCSEs and vocational qualifications, including BTEC Sport, Health and Social Care, and Computer Science. The school has specialist rooms for Art and Technology, and the standard of work displayed in corridors suggests these subjects are valued parts of the curriculum, not just afterthoughts.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is well-organised. The Learning Support department works closely with teaching staff to ensure strategies are implemented in the classroom. Teaching assistants are deployed effectively, often working with small groups to pre-teach vocabulary or consolidate learning, rather than hovering over individuals.

As an 11-16 school, Our Lady's does not have a Sixth Form. However, its task is to prepare students for the next stage, and it does this successfully. The vast majority of leavers progress to Level 3 study (A-levels or BTECs).

The strongest progression pathways are to the local Catholic sixth form colleges. Loreto Sixth Form College and Xaverian College are the primary destinations for Our Lady's students. Both are rated Outstanding and are highly competitive; coming from a feeder Catholic high school often provides a supportive transition, as students move with friends and into a similar ethos.

Other students progress to The Manchester College for vocational and technical courses, or to apprenticeships. The school’s careers advice programme is robust, beginning in Year 7 and intensifying in Year 10 and 11. Pupils receive one-to-one guidance interviews to ensure their post-16 choices match their ambitions and abilities. The school organises visits to universities and invites alumni back to speak, helping to raise aspirations.

Admission to Our Lady's RC High School is competitive. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation in the community. In the most recent intake, there were 641 applications for 203 places, a ratio of more than 3 applicants for every place. This level of demand means that simply wanting a place is rarely enough; families must understand the oversubscription criteria.

Admissions are coordinated by Manchester City Council, but as a Voluntary Aided school, the Governors set the policy. The primary criterion, after Looked After Children, is Catholic faith.

Priority Order Summary

1. Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children who are Catholic.
2. Catholic children who are resident in the school's designated parishes.
3. Other Catholic children.
4. Non-Catholic Looked After Children.
5. Other children.

For categories requiring evidence of faith, parents must provide a baptismal certificate. Residence in a designated parish is a key differentiator. The catchment covers parishes in Higher Blackley, Blackley, Dam Head, and Harpurhey. Families should check the precise parish boundaries on the school or diocesan website, as being on the wrong side of a street can affect priority.

Given the oversubscription (subscription proportion of 3.16), it is extremely rare for non-Catholic children to secure a place unless they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school or fall into a specific protected category. Families who are not Catholic but desire the ethos should be realistic about their chances and have a backup plan.

Pastoral care is the backbone of Our Lady's. The school operates a horizontal pastoral system, with Heads of Year overseeing the academic and social progress of their cohort. These Heads of Year are non-teaching or have reduced timetables, allowing them to be available when issues arise during the school day, a crucial detail that ensures rapid response to behavioural or welfare concerns.

The 'Hub' provides a sanctuary for vulnerable students. It offers a quieter space for break times and targeted support for those struggling with anxiety or social navigation. The school also employs a school counsellor and works with external agencies to support mental health.

Safeguarding is robust. The 2021 Ofsted report highlighted that pupils feel safe and know who to talk to if they have worries. Bullying is taken seriously; students report that while it happens (as in all schools), it is dealt with effectively when reported. The distinct Catholic ethos provides a vocabulary for discussing behaviour: mistakes are framed in the context of forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than purely punitive measures.

Life at Our Lady's extends well beyond the timetable. The extracurricular programme is designed to develop the 'whole person'.

Sport

The PE department is active and competitive. The school fields teams in football, netball, basketball, and athletics, competing in Manchester city leagues. Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, and outdoor pitches. The ethos of sportsmanship is emphasised as much as winning.

The Arts

Music and Drama are vibrant. The annual school production is a major calendar event, involving dozens of students on stage and behind the scenes. The choir performs at school masses, diocesan events, and community celebrations. Peripatetic music lessons are available for those wishing to learn instruments.

Faith in Action

The GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) chaplaincy team is a unique feature. Student chaplains lead peer-to-peer ministries, plan liturgies, and run charity appeals. This leadership opportunity gives students a sense of agency and responsibility.

Trips and Visits

The calendar includes retreats to Savio House or Castlerigg, where students spend time away from the city to reflect and bond. Departmental trips include Geography field work, History visits to battlefields or museums, and rewards trips to local attractions.

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

Education at Our Lady's RC High School is funded by the state, meaning there are no fees for instruction. Parents are expected to fund the cost of the uniform and PE kit. Some extracurricular activities, trips, or residential retreats may incur a cost, but the school typically aims to keep these accessible.

Financial assistance is available for eligible families through the Pupil Premium grant. This can support costs for school meals, trips, and music lessons. Families who believe they may be eligible should contact the school office to ensure this funding is triggered.

The school day begins at 8:30am, though many students arrive earlier for breakfast club or library access. Formal lessons finish at 3:00pm, with clubs and intervention sessions running until 4:00pm or later.

Located on Alworth Road, the school is well-served by public transport. Many students travel via the extensive bus network serving North Manchester. The Bowker Vale Metrolink stop is approximately a 15-minute walk away, providing access for students travelling from further afield.

Uniform is strictly enforced. It consists of a black blazer with the school badge, school tie, white shirt, and black trousers or skirt. The strictness on uniform is deliberate; it is seen as a way of fostering professional standards and equality, removing pressure on students to wear branded fashion.

Faith commitment: The Catholic ethos is not optional. All students, regardless of personal belief, are expected to attend Mass, participate in RE lessons, and respect the school's values. Families uncomfortable with explicit religious practice should consider if this environment is the right fit.

Admissions reality: With over 600 applications for roughly 200 places, the school is heavily oversubscribed. Non-Catholic families have a statistically low chance of securing a place. Even for Catholic families, residence in the designated parishes is often the deciding factor.

No Sixth Form: Students must change institutions at 16. While this allows for a fresh start and progression to specialist colleges, some families prefer the continuity of an 11-18 school.

Strict discipline: The school prides itself on high standards of behaviour and uniform. Parents looking for a highly liberal or progressive approach to discipline may find the traditional structures too rigid.

Our Lady's RC High School is a pillar of the North Manchester community, offering a stable, nurturing, and academically sound education rooted in deep faith. It is not an exam factory, but a place that genuinely cares about who its students become, not just what they achieve. The strong Progress 8 score confirms that academic value is added, but the school’s true value lies in its pastoral warmth and moral compass. Best suited to Catholic families seeking a supportive, disciplined environment where their child will be known, challenged, and guided by clear values. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular and oversubscribed school.