Higher Openshaw Community School, Manchester

In its own words: "In any organisation - be it a school, a company, or even a family - strong and clearly expressed values create identity, focus, unity and drive, answering the questions: What do we belong to? What is important to us? What holds us together? Why do our collective efforts matter?"

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Higher Openshaw Community School. You can also follow us on twitter facebook and via ‘Our Schools App’, downloadable from Android. Higher Openshaw Community School is a multicultural primary school located in the vibrant city of Manchester! We believe that every child is unique and has the potential to thrive in a safe and supportive enviroment."

In 2025, 78% of Year 6 pupils at Higher Openshaw Community School reached the expected standard in reading and 76% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 74% in Manchester and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 70% in reading and 58% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 29 families put Higher Openshaw Community School as their first choice and 90 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Higher Openshaw Community School are Varna Community Primary School (0.3 miles, Outstanding, 68% reading, 45% maths); Seymour Road Academy (0.4 miles, Good, 76% reading, 76% maths); Manchester Road Primary Academy (0.5 miles, Good, 74% reading, 74% maths); and St Clement's CofE Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 74% reading, 71% maths).

Higher Openshaw Community School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

63.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 38% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are Black (36%), White British (29%) and Mixed (10%).

In 2026, 54 pupils (16.6%) received SEN support and 34 (10.4%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Higher Openshaw Community School has a resourced provision for speech, language and communication needs and autism: 20 places, 20 pupils on roll.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Edge Lane (Manchester Metrolink), about 480 metres away (roughly a 6-minute walk).

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Wheler Street (near), 340 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Higher Openshaw Community School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In 2024/25, Higher Openshaw Community School issued 13 suspensions, 3.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Higher Openshaw Community School are Droylsden Academy (0.6 miles), Fairfield High School for Girls (0.8 miles), The East Manchester Academy (1 mile) and Wright Robinson College (1 mile).