North Ridge High School

North Ridge High School is performing exceptionally well, as it continues to be recognized as an outstanding institution for students with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school creates a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils can thrive academically and socially. With a strong emphasis on communication and personal well-being, staff are dedicated to tailoring education to meet the individual needs of their pupils, which significantly enhances the learning experience. The school is also committed to preparing students for adulthood, providing practical life skills and career opportunities through various programs and community engagement.

Strengths

• Nurturing and supportive environment for students
• High expectations for pupils' achievement and well-being
• Strong communication and language development integrated into all aspects of school life
• Ambitious and well-structured curriculum tailored to individual needs
• Expert staff who effectively deliver the curriculum
• Robust careers program with opportunities for work experience
• Excellent preparation for adulthood with valuable life skills training
• Deep commitment and strong support from governors
• Effective safeguarding arrangements in place

In 2024–25 pupils at North Ridge High School attended 88.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 32.6% 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, 3.0% of pupils at North Ridge High 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 North Ridge High School had 11.4 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 22.0% 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 North Ridge High School had 207 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: moderate learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; hearing impairment; autistic spectrum disorder.

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 North Ridge High School received £26,640 and spent £26,116 for each of its 207 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £347,000 (£1,678 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).

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What is North Ridge High School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for North Ridge High School is Outstanding, from an inspection in May 2024.

When was North Ridge High School last inspected by Ofsted?

North Ridge High School was last inspected in May 2024.

How many pupils does North Ridge High School have?

North Ridge High School has 207 pupils on roll.

What age range does North Ridge High School cover?

North Ridge High School for pupils aged 11 to 19.

Where is North Ridge High School?

North Ridge High School is at Alworth Road, Blackley, Manchester, M9 0RP.