The Birches School

The Birches School is a good educational institution that provides support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff build strong relationships with pupils, fostering a safe environment where they can thrive. The school's curriculum is aimed at enhancing communication skills and is delivered effectively in most subjects, allowing pupils to progress from their individual starting points. However, the report notes that the school is currently working on refining aspects of the curriculum in a few subjects and ensuring that the phonics program is implemented consistently to enhance pupils' reading skills.

Strengths

• Strong relationships between staff and pupils
• Effective communication skills development
• Pupils demonstrate confidence and resilience
• Good behaviour and positive attitudes among pupils
• Ambitious curriculum pathways for pupils with SEND
• Well-trained staff who effectively address behaviour issues
• Variety of extracurricular activities to promote engagement

Areas for Improvement

• Inconsistent implementation of the phonics program by some staff
• Few subjects lacking clarity on curriculum knowledge progression
• Limited understanding of different religions and cultures among some pupils

In 2024–25 pupils at The Birches School attended 90.0% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 33.1% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at The Birches School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 The Birches School had 7.5 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 12.1% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 The Birches School had 168 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: severe learning difficulty.

Pupils by main type of need

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 The Birches School received £28,304 and spent £28,279 for each of its 168 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £295,000 (£1,756 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 The Birches School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Birches School is Good, from an inspection in July 2024.

When was The Birches School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Birches School was last inspected in July 2024.

How many pupils does The Birches School have?

The Birches School has 168 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Birches School cover?

The Birches School for pupils aged 4 to 11.

What are The Birches School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is The Birches School?

The Birches School is at Newholme Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2XZ.