Manchester Hospital School

Manchester Hospital School is a community special school for pupils aged 4 to 16, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities, many with serious ill health. It operates across several hospital and other sites and provides education at the bedside as well as in classrooms. Inspectors found the school to be exceptional across all judged areas, with no significant weaknesses identified. The school provides a calm, nurturing and highly ambitious environment in which pupils feel safe, understood and valued, and pupils achieve very well despite considerable disruption to their education before joining. The curriculum is broad and carefully sequenced, and teachers use expert questioning and precise assessment to meet individual needs. Reading is given the highest priority, with phonics taught from admission and targeted support for older pupils who need to catch up. Staff work closely with families, home schools and health professionals to identify SEND needs quickly and to overcome barriers to attendance. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary and their attitudes to learning are exceptionally positive. Personal development is a particular strength, with a wide range of enrichment, leadership opportunities and careers education woven through school life. Leaders and governors have accurate oversight and a strong outward-facing drive, and staff feel well supported. Safeguarding arrangements are effective. The school was previously judged good and has since improved to outstanding in every area.

Strengths

• Provides an exceptional, calm and nurturing learning environment for pupils with complex medical needs and SEND
• Highly ambitious curriculum with clearly mapped knowledge and expert questioning to address misconceptions
• Strong focus on early reading and phonics, with targeted support for older pupils who need to catch up
• Swift, sensitive identification of SEND through close work with health professionals and home schools
• Pupils' behaviour is exemplary and their attitudes to learning are exceptionally positive
• Outstanding personal development with wide enrichment, leadership roles and a carefully crafted careers programme
• Leaders and governors have accurate oversight, drive improvement and prioritise staff wellbeing
• Safeguarding arrangements are effective
• Pupils feel safe, understood and valued and leave well prepared to return to their usual school

In 2025–26 Manchester Hospital School had 152 pupils, 76.3% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 Manchester Hospital School received £32,935 and spent £32,035 for each of its 152 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £352,000 (£2,313 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

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What is Manchester Hospital School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Manchester Hospital School is Outstanding, from an inspection in September 2025.

When was Manchester Hospital School last inspected by Ofsted?

Manchester Hospital School was last inspected in September 2025.

How many pupils does Manchester Hospital School have?

Manchester Hospital School has 152 pupils on roll.

What age range does Manchester Hospital School cover?

Manchester Hospital School for pupils aged 4 to 16.

Where is Manchester Hospital School?

Manchester Hospital School is at 3rd Floor School, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, Lancashire, M13 9WL.