As the UK’s most liveable city*, Manchester is one of the most sought-after destinations in the UK. One of the reasons it is so in-demand is the city’s wide range of world-class education hubs, which offer people of all ages the opportunity to learn and develop.
MANCHESTER Education Guide
YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
As the UK’s most liveable city * , Manchester is one of the most sought-after destinations in the UK. One of the reasons it is so in-demand is the city’s wide range of world-class education hubs, which offer people of all ages the opportunity to learn and develop.
With a vast array of state and private primary and secondary schools, universities and higher education institutions spread across the city, Manchester is the perfect place to start - or continue - learning. As Manchester’s leading property developer, Renaker are working on creating aspirational new neighbourhoods at prime sites across the city; Great Jackson Street area, Trinity Island, and Colliers Yard in Greengate. Access to the best local schools and entire city’s many prestigious universities is quick and convenient, and is part of Renaker’s commitment to building thriving sustainable communities for the long term.
According to Ofsted, there are 16 primary schools and three secondary schools rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ within just 1.5 miles of the city centre, all regularly setting new precedents for attainment and pupil development. With ultra-modern and historic schools that date back hundreds of years to choose between, parents have a variety for choice when it comes to selecting an educational environment that best suits their children.
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*Source: The Economist intelligence Unit, 2019.
UNIVERSITIES
The University of Manchester WWW.MANCHESTER.AC.UK
SEE MORE: TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION
been a key area of research with 25 Nobel laureates amongst current and former students and staff. How it performs: The University was ranked the eighth best institution in the UK by the 2023 Times Higher Education Best University Ranking, with 93.6% of graduates going straight into employment or further study (Higher Education Statistics Agency) making it the most targeted university by the nation’s top graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2019, High Flyers Research).
THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER IS A TRULY GLOBAL INSTITUTION, WITH A REPUTATION FOR EDUCATION AND INNOVATION THAT RESONATES ACROSS THE WORLD. What to expect: A red brick university and part of the prestigious Russell Group, The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK, and home to 40,000+ students each year - the second most across the country. Offering more subjects than any other institution, there is plenty of choice in terms of courses - however, traditionally science has
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Ernest Rutherford Prof. Brian Cox Benedict Cumberbatch
Manchester Metropolitan University WWW.MMU.AC.UK
SEE MORE: TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION
What to expect: Although officially formed in 1970 as Manchester Polytechnic, MMU traces its origins back to the 19th century, and the formation of the Manchester Mechanics Institute and the Manchester School of Design. The University now sits across two campuses in the city, with 40,000+ students making it the sixth largest in the UK. Offering a vast array of courses, MMU has been commended for its research and specialisms in both Business Studies and Architecture, where it is regularly listed in global Top 10s. Currently undergoing £400m of investment, MMU is set to continue to grow in coming years.
It’s also home to a triple-accredited Business School that is recognised by EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. How it performs: MMU is placed in the world’s top 200 universities under 50 years old (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings) with 85% of research offering ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ impact. It continues to offer graduates a great start to the world of work, with 94.6% finding full time employment within six months.
A GREAT, MODERN UNIVERSITY, IN A TOP GLOBAL CITY, WITH A DRIVING AMBITION TO DISCOVER AND DISSEMINATE KNOWLEDGE TO MAKE HIGHER EDUCATION ACCESSIBLE AND BENEFICIAL TO ALL THOSE WITH THE PASSION AND ABILITY TO SUCCEED.
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Steve Coogan Dame Julie Walters Thomas Heatherwick CBE
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UNIVERSITIES
University of Salford WWW.SALFORD.AC.UK
SEE MORE: TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION
1,500 students working within close proximity of UK media staples the BBC and ITV. 20,000 students return to the university each year to study a number of courses, including leading research in health, energy, media and the built environment. The University has been shortlisted for three awards across two categories in the 2022 Times Higher Education Awards. How it performs: The University of Salford ranks at 111th in the UK (Sunday Times Higher Education) but regularly features in the top 10 for subject-specific rankings
THE UNIVERSITY DRAWS ON ITS HERITAGE OF INDUSTRIAL LINKS TO OFFER REAL WORLD LEARNING AND CREATE HIGHLY EMPLOYABLE GRADUATES. What to expect: Established in 1967, the University of Salford dates back to the 19th century where it was known as the Royal Technical Institute, Salford. Fast forward to the present day, and the university now operates across a number of campuses within two miles west of Manchester city centre. Although the Peel Park Campus with its red brick Peel Building is the main base of the university, the new MediaCity campus sees more than
including Media and Health & Social Care. With strong links to local business and industry, 86% of its graduates find work or go onto further study within six months of graduating.
NOTABLE ALUMNI: L. S. Lowry Peter Kay
Royal Northern College of Music WWW.RNCM.AC.UK
SEE MORE: COMPLETE UNIVERSITY GUIDE
What to expect: Now in its fifth decade, the RNCM is relatively young, but its rich history spans back to 1893 when Sir Charles Hallé founded the Royal Manchester College of Music. In 1973, this institution merged with the Northern School of Music, and the RNCM was born. Today, the College is a thriving conservatoire with around 320 teaching staff and 880 students from nearly 60 different countries. The college offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses looking at all aspects of musical performance and composition.
How it performs: Research Excellence Framework (REF) rated the RNCM the UK’s leading music college for research and in 2017 the College was ranked Gold in the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s first Teaching Excellence Framework. The RNCM has also been awarded multiple Times Higher Education and Greater China Awards, and three Global Teaching Excellence Awards, two of which were received in 2022.
THE RNCM IS A LEADING INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATOIRE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MANCHESTER, WITH A REPUTATION FOR ATTRACTING TALENTED STUDENTS, TEACHERS, CONDUCTORS AND COMPOSERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Helen Sherman Eva Thorarinsdottir
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UNIVERSITIES
Northern Ballet School WWW.NORTHERNBALLETSCHOOL.CO.UK
SEE MORE: SCHOOL WEBSITE
What to expect: Established in 1977 by Patricia McDonald, Northern Ballet School is an internationally recognised school training dancers for professional careers in classical ballet and commercial theatre. Run by a team of highly qualified and talented teachers and musicians, each an established specialist in one or more of the fields of dance, music and drama, Northern Ballet School boasts a publicly-licensed 430-seat theatre in which student productions are staged. Providing one of the most comprehensively appointed dance training facilities in the UK, NBS features dance studios with sprung floors, full height wall mirrors and
excellent first aid and physiotherapy provisions. How it performs: Northern Ballet School’s most recent Ofsted report shows it is outstanding in all areas and noted that staff actively promote a strong culture of professionalism and commitment, alongside exceptional training. Northern Ballet School has strong industry recruitment links and agency contacts, ensuring that the majority of its graduates obtain dance employment shortly after completing their training. NOTABLE ALUMNI:
Peri Le Riche Liam Scullion
SECONDARY SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Manchester Grammar School WWW.MGS.ORG
SEE MORE: MY TOP SCHOOLS
pupils flourish. MGS offers places based on assessment for boys aged 7 through to post 16 with annual fees of £13,980, or £4,660 per term. How it performs: The most recent ISI inspection awarded the school with the highest grade in all areas. 73% of all the school’s GCSE grades in 2022 were 9-8; 49% of all grades were grade 9. In 2018 it was recognised as the North West’s top independent secondary school. It is currently ranked the 5th best state secondary school in the UK,
and was named the Sunday Times Northwest State Secondary School of the Decade.
THE AIM AND ETHOS OF MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL IS TO TEACH BOYS TO ‘THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND DEVELOP A TRUE SENSE OF SCHOLARSHIP’, FIRMLY FOLLOWING THE MOTTO “SAPERE AUDE” MEANING “DARE TO BE WISE”. What to expect: Founded in 1515, MGS’ long and prestigious history has seen it establish a reputation as one of the country’s top academic and independent institutions. It is also the UK’s largest independent day school for boys and prides itself on providing an inspirational and creative environment in which its
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Chris Addison Faisal Islam Sir Ben Kingsley
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SECONDARY SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Manchester High School for Girls WWW.MANCHESTERHIGH.CO.UK
SEE MORE: TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION
What to expect: The school is revered for the quality of its teaching and the life skills it provides its students to help them achieve their best and equip them for their future careers. The accommodating and wide subject offering is complemented by its
How it performs: MHSG’s most recent ISI inspection shows the school received the highest possible grade. It also showed strong results in last year’s GCSEs, with more than 95% achieving grades 9 to 6, while more than 95% of A-level results were grades A* to B.
MHSG HAS A VISION TO INSPIRE GIRLS TO PURSUE THE ‘HIGHEST ACADEMIC, PERSONAL AND MORAL STANDARDS’, AIMING TO EMPOWER THEM TO BECOME ‘RESPONSIBLE GLOBAL CITIZENS, WHO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE WORLD’.
state-of-the-art facilities and the school’s rich social and cultural environment. MHSG is open to girls from ages 4 - 18 and entry is subject to assessment by interview and GCSE grades for Sixth Form. Fees range from £9,702 to £13,230 per annum depending on year group.
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Anushka Asthana Emma Barnett Judy Finnigan
Chetham’s School of Music WWW.CHETHAMSSCHOOLOFMUSIC.COM
SEE MORE: COMPLETE UNIVERSITY GUIDE
for ICT and the sciences, but it is famed for its music buildings and programmes of study. Chetham’s also embraces the freedom and vibrancy of the surrounding city and strives to bring a real community feel to its curriculum and culture. Places are subject to auditions and fees can vary from £26,103 to £36,768 depending on age, nationality and boarding status. How it performs: The school was assessed by the ISI in January 2020 and was deemed to have met all the required standards, with ‘excellent’ teaching across the board. Both its GCSE and A-Level results from last year are similarly impressive with 96% and 92% of
pupils passing with grades from A*- C respectively. A large percentage of pupils also go on to further study and achievement in music and the performing arts.
CHETHAM’S IS THE ‘LARGEST SPECIALIST MUSIC SCHOOL IN THE UK’, AND SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1969 HAS PROVEN ITSELF AS A ‘CENTRAL PART OF MUSIC EDUCATION’ FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY. What to expect: Chetham’s is not just an independent music school, it also offers excellent academic courses for students and a multitude of pathways into further education or professional development and careers. Students can join from age 8 and stay through until 20, and two thirds of the 300 pupils are accepted as boarders. The school boasts a superb array of facilities, particularly
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Max Beesley
Olivia Chaney Doug Naylor
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SECONDARY SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
Withington Girls School WWW.WGS.ORG
SEE MORE: MY TOP SCHOOLS
the school boasts excellent facilities and prides itself on the breadth of extra curricular activities available to its pupils. Fees per term range from £3,727 to £4,874 depending on age and some means-tested bursaries are offered each year. How it performs: A year after being named the North West’s independent school of the decade by The Sunday Times in 2021, Withington Girls’ School has been ranked as the top independent school in the North West for academic results in the newspaper’s prestigious Schools Guide. The school’s GCSE and A-Level results are consistently well above the national average and last year 59% of all GCSE pupils earned Grade 7
or above (equivalent from A* to A). Equally 93% of A-level pupils earned A* to B grades in their subjects. The September 2017 ISI inspection described the school as ‘excellent’ and praised WGS for the quality of the personal development of its students.
WITHINGTON GIRLS’ SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE UK’S LEADING INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOLS FOR GIRLS, WHICH HAS ‘SOME OF THE BEST ACADEMIC RESULTS IN THE COUNTRY’ THAT THEY ATTAIN WITHIN ‘A LIVELY, HAPPY AND CARING ENVIRONMENT’. What to expect: WGS was opened in 1890 and while it may have grown substantially from its beginnings as a pioneering school for only four female pupils, it still maintains the founding principles of helping girls achieve an excellent standard of academic achievement. Today, girls from ages 7 to 18 can enjoy a supportive and friendly environment that teaches a wide range of subjects and instils important life lessons. Beyond this,
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Kate Abdo Sarah Burton Judith Chalmers
Trinity Church of England High School WWW.TRINITYHIGH.COM
SEE MORE: SNOBE SCHOOL GUIDE
heart of the University District and as such enjoys close links with many academic departments and benefits from a wide range of other superb facilities right on its doorstep. How it performs: Ofsted rated the school as ‘Outstanding’ during its most recent inspection and 65% of pupils at Trinity gained at least 5 A* to C or 9-4 grade GCSEs including English and Maths. At A-level, the sixth form also boasts impressive results where pupils recently achieved a 98% pass rate overall, with a 34% pass rate at A*-B.
TRINITY PROVIDES A WELL- BALANCED, OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC EDUCATION TO
NOTABLE ALUMNI: Danny Welbeck Keir Thomas
STUDENTS OF ALL FAITHS AND COMMUNITIES OF MANCHESTER. What to expect: Established in 1984, the high school prides itself on ensuring young people are safe, secure, cared for and happy and are able to develop into articulate, well- qualified citizens of the world. The school has developed significantly in recent years, the latest addition being its sixth form which opened in September, 2016. Trinity is uniquely placed in the
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PREPARATORY & PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Manchester Grammar Junior School WWW.MGS.ORG/194/JUNIOR-SCHOOL
SEE MORE: MY TOP SCHOOLS
or Business Studies. The school also studies a variety of languages including Spanish in Year 3, French in Year 4, Latin in Year 5 and Italian in Year 6. Applications are welcomed for entry to any of Years 3, 4, 5 or 6, subject to spaces being available, and applicants will be invited to attend an Assessment Day of taught lessons for selection. How it performs: As an independent school, it doesn’t sit any external examinations in junior school and all boys automatically gain entry to the senior school.
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL OFFERS A CHALLENGING AND CREATIVE CURRICULUM TO INSPIRE OUR PUPILS TO BECOME PROBLEM SOLVERS AND TO TAKE RISKS FROM EARLY IN THEIR SCHOOL CAREERS. What to expect: With automatic entry into the senior school, MGS’ Junior School gives boys aged 4 to 11 the perfect start to their education. As an independent school, children are able to learn a wide range of topics outside of the National Curriculum, and they are encouraged to take up additional activities in areas such as Robotics
Manchester High School for Girls Preparatory Department WWW.MANCHESTERHIGH.CO.UK/PREP
SEE MORE: MY TOP SCHOOLS
history and a sense of belonging. For entry into the Reception class at ages four plus, girls are invited into school for an Assessment Day. Girls applying into Key Stage 2 are required to sit an entrance test in Mathematics and English and there are problem solving and cognitive ability tests. Fees range from £9,702 to £9,861 depending on the school year. How it performs: MHSG’s most recent ISI inspection (November 2019) shows the school meets all of its required standards.
THE PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT IS A PLACE WHERE GIRLS AGED 4 TO 11 CAN ENJOY A BREADTH OF EXCITING AND CHALLENGING ACTIVITIES, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. What to expect: The school’s wide and varied curriculum is full of opportunity and empowers girls to know they can achieve their goals. A vast array of themed days, visiting speakers and trips all help to contextualise learning and bring it to life. All pupils belong to a house named after female founders of Manchester High, developing an understanding of the school’s
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PREPARATORY & PRIMARY SCHOOLS
St Alphonsus R.C. Primary School WWW.STALPHONSUS-TRAFFORD.CO.UK
SEE MORE: SCHOOL WEBSITE
Notable information: The school is connected to Greensteds International School in Nakuru, Kenya.
and consistently show high levels of achievement. There are religious admissions requirements but exceptions can be made subject to available places. How it performs: The school’s last Ofsted report (April 2014) rated St Alphonsus ‘Outstanding’ and noted the exceptional behaviour and the dedication and enthusiasm of its teaching staff as a key strength. The KS2 SATs results are also impressive with expected levels of attainment well above the national average across the core assessment subjects.
ST ALPHONSUS IS A ‘HAPPY SCHOOL’ WHICH PRIDES ITSELF ON PROVIDING A ‘SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT’ IN WHICH THE PUPILS CAN ‘GROW AND LEARN WITH CONFIDENCE’. What to expect: The curriculum that is taught at St Alphonsus incorporates elements of the Catholic faith, but also supports and promotes learning about wider cultures and religions - embracing the local communities and life in the city. Standards of teaching are exceptional, the pupils here are safe
Old Trafford Community Academy WWW.OLDTRAFFORDCOMMUNITYACADEMY.CO.UK
SEE MORE: SNOBE SCHOOL GUIDE
What to expect: Pupils receive a balanced but broad curriculum and the school aims to equip pupils to be ready for life in modern Britain. As a state-funded school it is open to children from all lifestyles and backgrounds in the catchment area
How it performs: Old Trafford Community Academy shows strong results with just over half of its cohort making the expected KS2 SATs levels of progress. In addition, the last short Ofsted report (May 2017) shows the school to be consistently ‘Good’ and praises the friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the well-established, successful routines and teaching systems. The school is open to admissions from January and places are highly sought after. Notable information: As part of the Focus Trust the school is fully compliant with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.
THE SCHOOL FOLLOWS THE ‘SAME VALUES AS THE OTHER ACADEMIES WITHIN THE [FOCUS] TRUST’ AND THEY STRIVE TO BE FAIR, HONEST AND PROVIDE THEIR CHILDREN WITH A CARING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
and strives to promote their core values in all elements of their educational programmes. As the name suggests, ‘community’ is also high on the school’s agenda. This is an academy that actively works with families and runs groups and sessions with parents to get them more involved with their children’s education.
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PREPARATORY & PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Crown Street Primary School SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN 2024
Scheduled to open in 2024, the school has been designed and developed in partnership with Manchester City Council and will be operated by the highly regarded Laurus Trust, whose vision is for all young people, regardless of background or circumstance, to be inspired, to thrive in all environments, to recognise what it takes to succeed, to set aspirational goals and to work hard to achieve them. Once complete, the school will form part of the wider residential neighbourhood Renaker is creating
in the Great Jackson Street area, located at the end of Deansgate. The new neighbourhood will comprise over 6,300 high quality new homes as well as a city centre park, medical facility and a vibrant mix of independent restaurants, bars and other businesses. As majority landowner, we are proud to be leading this transformation and creating a sustainable neighbourhood with high-quality homes and amenities for the long term.
CROWN STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL BE MANCHESTER’S FIRST NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ALMOST 20 YEARS AND WILL PROVIDE 210 PLACES TO CHILDREN FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, BEGINNING WITH A 26 PLACE PRESCHOOL CLASS AND A 30 PLACE RECEPTION CLASS. MORE PRESCHOOL AND RECEPTION CLASSES WILL BE ADDED ANNUALLY UNTIL THE SCHOOL HAS PUPILS IN PRESCHOOL THROUGH TO YEAR SIX. AN ON-SITE DAY CARE FACILITY WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THREE.
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SCHOOLS, COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES MAP
Renaker Developments - Perfectly Placed
8 CHETHAM’S SCHOOL OF MUSIC A
3 UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD
OLDHAM ROAD
SALFORD
ANCOATS
CHAPEL STREET
A57(M)
BRADFORD
A57(M)
MANCHESTER
REGENT ROAD
GREAT JACKSON STREET AREA
NORTHERN BALLET SCHOOL
ASHTON OLD ROAD
ORDSALL
5
CROWN STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL C D B 13
2 MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
SALFORD QUAYS
CHESTER ROAD
4 ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC
1 THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
OLD TRAFFORD COMMUNITY ACADEMY
9 TRINITY CHURCH OF ENGLAND HIGH SCHOOL
A6
12
11 ST ALPHONSUS R.C. PRIMARY SCHOOL
OXFORD ROAD
PRINCESS ROAD
OLD TRAFFORD
RUSHOLME
UNIVERSITIES
6 MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL & JUNIOR SCHOOL
The University of Manchester
1
7 MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS & PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT
Manchester Metropolitan University
2
University of Salford
3
Royal Northern College of Music
4
10 WITHINGTON GIRLS SCHOOL
5 Northern Ballet School SECONDARY SCHOOLS & COLLEGES 6 Manchester Grammar School & Junior School 7 Manchester High School for Girls & Preparatory Department 8 Chetham’s School of Music 9 Trinity Church of England High School 10 Withington Girls School PREPARATORY & PRIMARY SCHOOLS 6 Manchester Grammar Junior School 7 Manchester High School for Girls Preparatory Department
RENAKER DEVELOPMENTS
A Bankside, Colliers Yard B Deansgate Square C The Blade D Three60
11 St Alphonsus R.C. Primary School 12 Old Trafford Community Academy 13 Crown Street Primary School
The information in this document is indicative and is intended to act as a guide only.
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