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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Greater Manchester

128 replies

3pickles · 28/01/2026 14:05

Hi,

Really looking for some guidance on secondary schools in and around Manchester (in areas of the tram or frequent trains to the city centre).

We are relocating and my main priority is getting schools right for my children, secondary and primary aged.

I am looking for recommendations for non-selective secondary schools that have excellent pastoral systems that are caring yet have robust systems for dealing with behaviour and bullying. I find ofsted reports and schools websites are quite limited in getting a true reflection on a school and would love some personal recommendations!

Thank you ☺️

OP posts:
Original poster
3pickles · 12/02/2026 21:16

WutheringTights · 12/02/2026 19:20

Your younger children would most likely get sibling priority so once your eldest child gets an in year place they’re pretty much guaranteed a sibling place. Worth checking admission criteria though.

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Thank you. That’s useful to know. Need to check the criteria as my middle child will be in Yr 6 as my eldest in Yr11, so effectively won’t be at secondary together. My current school still give priority but suppose that might not always be the case! 😅

OP posts:
Original poster
3pickles · 12/02/2026 21:17

Rockclimber405 · 12/02/2026 19:38

My sister commutes into Manchester City centre every day from Cheadle Hulme on the train. I really like going to visit her recently as there’s quite a few nice pubs and bars there. She’s childless so not sure about schools but having a nosey online they look good. I think you’d be able to get a 4 bed within budget

Thank you. That’s good to know! Sounds like the train line is definitely a viable option for us!

OP posts:
RazedBeds · 14/02/2026 11:07

3pickles · 12/02/2026 21:16

Thank you. That’s useful to know. Need to check the criteria as my middle child will be in Yr 6 as my eldest in Yr11, so effectively won’t be at secondary together. My current school still give priority but suppose that might not always be the case! 😅

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They won't get priority if they don't attend at the same time.

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