Changing Lives, Manchester
Changing Lives is a special school for pupils aged 11 to 18 in Manchester.
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Changing Lives in detail
Changing Lives in its own words
In its own words: "This is our vision - the foundation of everything we do at Changing Lives. At Changing Lives Independent School, our vision is to nurture a vibrant, inclusive learning community where every student thrives through the values of Kindness, Respect, and Resilience. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive."
The school runs a breakfast club from 9:00am.
Vision and values (school website)Wraparound care (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other special schools to Changing Lives are Manor Academy Sale (0.8 miles, Good); Brentwood Community College (1 mile, Good); Brentwood School (1 mile, Outstanding); and Delamere School (1.8 miles, Outstanding).
Manor Academy SaleBrentwood Community CollegeBrentwood SchoolDelamere School
Who goes there
Almost every pupil at Changing Lives has an education, health and care plan (56 of 56 in 2026).
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Flixton Rail Station, about 1.4 miles away in a straight line.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 2 years agoOverall
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby schools
Latest from Changing Lives
100% of Our Leavers Moved On to Education or Employment
2 Oct 2026
Alternative Provision for School Refusal (EBSA): A Trauma-Informed Guide for Parents
26 Feb 2026
SEND Reforms 2026: What Parents Need to Know (and What to Do If Your Child Is Struggling in School)
25 Feb 2026
What Qualifies a Child for an EHCP in England? (A Parent-Friendly Guide to the Legal Test, Myths & Next Steps)
4 Feb 2026
The SEND Code of Practice (England) Explained: A Calm, Parent-Friendly Guide to SEN Support, EHCPs, and Next Steps
14 Jan 2026
SEND Tribunal Appeals in England: A Parent-Friendly Guide to EHCP Disputes, Deadlines and Evidence
14 Jan 2026
From Changing Lives's website. School Signal is not affiliated with the school.
Social & online
Keep up with Changing Lives
Getting There
Bus Stops
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025.
The typical figure for schools in Trafford is 11 (the median across 103 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
140%
Over capacity
56 pupils
40 places
16 pupils over capacity
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Manchester
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Manchester
Across Trafford council
Places available
3,679
Applications
3,221
Got 1st preference
81.0%
Got preferred school
98.4%
All secondary applications across Trafford council (2026/27), not just this school.
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
0
SEN Support
56
EHC Plans
100.0%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Changing Lives is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
Source: GIAS, Department for Education.
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
56
Total Pupils
10
Boys
46
Girls
2026 academic year
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Changing Lives
Showing 10 of 13 linked schools
Questions parents ask about Changing Lives
What are GCSE results like at Changing Lives?
The Department for Education's GCSE measures do not count IGCSEs, which many independent schools take instead of GCSEs, so the Attainment 8 and English and maths figures it publishes for Changing Lives can understate its results. We do not rank or compare them; ask the school for its own GCSE and IGCSE results.
How many pupils go to Changing Lives?
Changing Lives has around 56 pupils on roll.
Does Changing Lives have specialist SEN provision?
Changing Lives is not approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
How do I apply to Changing Lives?
Changing Lives is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
How many road collisions happen near Changing Lives?
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025. The typical figure for schools in Trafford is 11 (the median across 103 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Changing Lives?
Changing Lives is at Isherwood Rd, Nursery farm, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M31 4BH.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)