Macclesfield College, Macclesfield

Ofsted's report card from its 27 April 2026 inspection grades Macclesfield College on 6 areas: 4 expected standard and 2 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Contribution to meeting skills needs - Expected standard. "Through their work with a wide variety of employers and stakeholders across the region, leaders have a detailed understanding of the skills needs of Macclesfield and the surrounding areas."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders and governors are committed to creating a college-wide culture of inclusion that focuses on learners' achievement and ensures learners and apprentices feel well supported in achieving their qualifications."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "Since the previous inspection, leaders have made sustained improvements, most notably in the proportion of learners and apprentices who complete their studies and in the quality of the teaching they experience."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Learners achieve well."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Curriculum design, in most cases, is thoughtful and well sequenced."

Participation and development - Needs attention. "Leaders ensure that learners behave well."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should improve attendance among young learners, adult learners and learners with high needs and ensure high rates of attendance"; "Leaders should ensure that adult learners are taught a wider curriculum that provides learners on all courses with an understanding of British values and the dangers of radicalisation"; "Leaders should ensure that apprentices, especially those under 18 years old, have a secure understanding of topics including healthy relationships, harmful online content, and mental and physical health"; "Leaders should ensure that identified areas for improvement are tackled swiftly and effectively".

Of the 530 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 13% went on to university or other higher education, 12% to apprenticeships and 37% into work. 2% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

The nearest railway station is Macclesfield Rail Station, about 0.9 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Macclesfield College (outside), 200 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 314 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Cheshire East (61), as is usual near a town centre.