St Richard's is a Catholic primary where strong faith and strong results coexist without tension. The school achieved a Good rating in its most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024, with behaviour marked as Outstanding. The latest KS2 data reveals that 88% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, significantly above the England average of 62%. The school ranks 510th in England and 8th in Manchester (FindMySchool ranking), placing it well above typical performance. Two forms of entry means approximately 60 pupils per year group, a size that allows community feel without feeling small. The school serves children from ages three (nursery) through eleven, with a substantial Catholic identity woven throughout.
The school sits on Wilpshire Avenue in Longsight, a residential area of South Manchester. Two-form entry ensures sufficient numbers for breadth of activity while remaining small enough that staff genuinely know each child. Mr Jonathan Murray has been headteacher, providing steady leadership across a period of consistent performance.
The Catholic character here is genuine and pervasive, not a formal label. The school's mission statement commits to building faith and developing potential, and these values shape daily routines. Pupils encounter regular collective worship, links with St Richard's Parish Church, and an explicit religious education curriculum that reflects Catholic teachings. The school celebrates sacramental programmes alongside academic learning. A dedicated section of the website explores Catholic social teaching and caritas ambassadors, indicating this is lived practice rather than tokenism.
Pupils describe the atmosphere as calm and focused. The recent Ofsted inspection noted behaviour as Outstanding, with observers noting that pupils behave impeccably in lessons and around school, greeting one another politely and maintaining focus without distraction. The school actively encourages environmental responsibility through the Eco Council and participates in wider initiatives like the CAFOD Live Simply Award. Staff prioritise partnership with parents, recognising that education is a shared endeavour between home and school.
The KS2 data reveals consistent strength across core subjects. In 2024, 88% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This represents an exceptional 26%age point gap above the national benchmark. Performance is granular: 92% met expected standard in reading, 93% in mathematics, and 95% in grammar, punctuation and spelling. These figures place the school among the higher-performing primaries in the country.
At the higher standard (greater depth), 52% of pupils achieved this in reading, mathematics and GPS. For comparison, the England average for higher standard is 8%, indicating that this school identifies and develops higher-ability pupils at a materially different rate from the national picture.
The school ranks 510th in England for KS2 outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This places it in the top 3% of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks 8th among Manchester primaries. These rankings reflect sustained performance rather than a single strong year; the school has maintained this tier consistently.
Progress data is not detailed in the public metrics, but inspection findings note that pupils make strong progress, particularly in mathematics at the end of key stage 2. The school has been noted for effective phonics teaching linked directly to writing, supporting early development. Weaker readers receive targeted extra support to maintain pace with peers.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
88%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Lessons are taught predominantly by class teachers, with some peripatetic and specialist teaching for subjects like music and PE. Art and music are delivered as discrete subjects to all pupils, not integrated only. Drama and dance are incorporated within broader subject teaching. The curriculum emphasises Catholic social morality alongside the national framework, weaving explicit religious and values education throughout.
French is taught from Year 1, delivered by specialists. Mathematics uses setting from Year 4 onwards, allowing targeted support and challenge. Year 6 receives additional morning sessions in spring term to consolidate learning before SATs.
The school uses assessment strategies to ensure pupils know and remember what they have been taught. Inspectors found that curriculum design is well thought-out and delivered effectively in most areas, though some subjects were noted to require clearer specification of key knowledge. The overall quality of teaching and learning was marked as Good.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Every pupil has a class teacher who knows them well. The school employs a dedicated SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and maintains a focus on identifying and supporting pupils who need additional help. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, indicating recognition of its inclusive approach.
Behaviour support is integrated and preventative rather than punitive. Pupils are explicitly taught to be responsible learners and encouraged to take pride in their appearance and conduct. A recent inspection found behaviour and attitudes to be Outstanding, with sustained improvement noted since previous inspections.
Music is central to school life. The St Richard's Choir performs at school events and beyond, providing pupils with ensemble experience and the satisfaction of collaborative performance. Choir features prominently on the school website, indicating its importance to the school's identity and tradition.
The school stages whole-school productions, typically at Christmas and end-of-year celebrations. Drama clubs offer opportunities for pupils to develop confidence and creativity through performance. Dance is woven through physical education and creative curricula.
PE is taught across all year groups with specialist input. The school offers up to 10 seasonal sports, structured so that pupils experience breadth across the year. Competitive teams form in major sports from Year 3 upwards, allowing those with aptitude to represent the school. The school's sporting prowess is recognised locally; athletics, swimming, netball and football feature prominently in the activity calendar. The school competes in inter-school competitions and has built a reputation for consistency in sports delivery.
The school offers a substantial range of clubs including:
These clubs run before school and after school at various times across the week. Some are free; others incur a small charge. After-school clubs can extend the school day, providing flexibility for working families.
The school organises regular educational trips aligned to the curriculum. Year 6 pupils access a residential experience, historically at venues like the Isle of Wight, the Lake District, or Anglesey. These residentials provide formative experiences, building independence and team cohesion.
The MAGPIE Project, sponsored by Warwick University, involves pupils visiting museums and art galleries to promote writing skills and cultural awareness. This partnership enhances the curriculum beyond the classroom walls.
Pupils in Year 4 and above have opportunity to learn instruments, with those showing aptitude progressing beyond recorder to further instrumental tuition. The school has music teachers on staff who deliver this specialist provision.
The Eco Council empowers pupils to lead environmental change. Initiatives encourage children to travel to school on foot, by scooter or bicycle ("walking superstar" scheme), fostering both physical activity and environmental consciousness. Pupils develop understanding of climate challenges and learn practical steps to reduce resource pressure on the planet.
St Richard's is significantly oversubscribed. In recent years, the school has received approximately 142 applications for 60 Reception places (a ratio of 2.37 applications per place). The school is among the top 10 most oversubscribed primaries in Manchester for first preference applications.
Admissions are managed through Manchester's coordinated admissions process. As a Catholic voluntary aided school, the school applies faith-based criteria alongside other considerations. Families should consult the school's admission policy for precise details, particularly regarding any religious practice requirements or supplementary forms. The school's own admission rules are available through Manchester City Council and the school website.
No information about specific distance-based thresholds is published, reflecting the faith-based admissions criteria. Families interested in applying should contact the school directly for clarity on how places are allocated and what role proximity plays in decision-making.
Applications
142
Total received
Places Offered
60
Subscription Rate
2.4x
Apps per place
The school day runs from 8:58 am to 3:30 pm. Staggered start times apply by age group, with younger pupils starting at 9:00 am and finishing at 3:00 pm, whilst older pupils finish at 3:30 pm.
After-school clubs operate most days, extending care to approximately 6:00 pm or later. Holiday clubs run during main school holidays, supporting working families. This wraparound provision is valuable for working parents and extends learning opportunities.
The school includes a nursery for children aged three upwards. Government-funded early education hours are available for eligible three and four-year-olds. Nursery fees are set by the school; families should contact the school directly or visit the school website for current pricing. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, with particular emphasis on Catholic formation from the start of schooling.
The school is served by local bus routes and benefits from good walking access. No specific information about dedicated school transport is published, though the school encourages active travel through its "walking superstar" initiatives.
Oversubscribed and faith-based. With 2.37 applications per place, entry is highly competitive. The school applies faith-based admissions criteria. Families without Catholic background or practice should verify whether admission is possible and what evidence may be required.
Catholic ethos is genuine. The school's religious character is woven throughout, not simply present at designated times. Daily collective worship, sacramental programmes, and explicit Catholic social teaching are part of routine school life. Families uncomfortable with this immersion should consider alternatives.
Limited secondary transition information. The school does not appear to publish data on where Year 6 pupils progress or selective secondary entry rates. Families should request this information directly if it matters to their planning.
Nursery fees not published online. For early years access, families will need to contact the school directly or visit in person for fee information and to understand government funding options.
St Richard's delivers strong academic results within an explicitly Catholic framework. The combination is deliberate: the school integrates faith and learning rather than compartmentalising them. For families seeking Catholic primary education with robust academics, broad enrichment, and a calm, inclusive ethos, St Richard's is well worth exploring. The school's Good Ofsted rating (with Outstanding behaviour), consistently strong KS2 outcomes, and top 10% national ranking (FindMySchool data) indicate sustained quality.
Best suited to families within the Manchester area seeking Catholic education who value both academic rigour and religious formation. Families living closer to school have better chances of entry given the oversubscribed status, though faith-based criteria may apply. The main challenge is securing a place; once admitted, the educational experience is solidly strong.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in June 2024, with behaviour and attitudes marked as Outstanding. KS2 results are strong: 88% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, well above the England average of 62%. The school ranks in the top 3% nationally for KS2 outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).
St Richard's is a Catholic voluntary aided school serving the Diocese of Salford. Catholic faith is integrated throughout the curriculum, with regular collective worship, links to parish church, sacramental programmes, and explicit religious education. The school is not secular; Catholic values shape the school day.
Very competitive. The school is one of the most oversubscribed primaries in Manchester, with approximately 2.37 applications for every place. As a faith school, it applies Catholic admissions criteria. Families should contact the school to understand how places are allocated and whether faith evidence is required.
The school runs a substantial after-school programme including St Richard's Choir, chess, draughts, reading clubs, multiple sports (football, netball, athletics, swimming, rounders), cooking, art, and orienteering. Year 4 pupils begin learning instruments; some progress to further tuition. Clubs run term-time; holiday clubs operate during school breaks.
Yes. The school includes a nursery for children aged three and above, following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework with Catholic formation. Government-funded early education hours are available for eligible three and four-year-olds. Families should contact the school for current fee information.
The school day runs from 8:58 am to 3:30 pm, with staggered starts and finish times by age group. Younger pupils typically start at 9:00 am and finish at 3:00 pm; older pupils finish at 3:30 pm. After-school clubs extend the day until approximately 6:00 pm.
Get in touch with the school directly
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