Ofsted Reports & School Performance

Ofsted Inspection Reports

Stockport School were visited by an Ofsted Inspection team on 7th and 8th May 2025. The purpose of their visit was to assess the school for the first time in almost six years since it was last inspected in 2019. Whilst the Ofsted Inspection Framework has changed during that period, with overall effectiveness grades no longer being issued to schools from September 2024, Ofsted continue to visit schools to determine whether they have taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at their previous inspection.

This latest Ofsted visit is the first ungraded inspection that we have received since our last very impressive report in 2019, which determined the school to have ‘high expectations of all pupils’, with an ‘ambitious and academic curriculum’. The school was judged at that time, to be at least good in all areas, with ‘leaders wanting to set pupils up for life, providing a first-rate and all-round education’, allowing as a result, ‘pupils to achieve well’ and ‘feel happy and safe at school’.

Our aim, therefore, in this latest May 2025 inspection, was to demonstrate that we have indeed continued to at least maintain those very high standards from 2019, whilst also seeking relentlessly throughout that period, to further enhance the quality of all that we do as a school, through our continued improvement and strengthening of provision, opportunities, and standards.

As Headteacher of Stockport School since 2013, I am delighted to share with you therefore, the very latest Inspection Report by Ofsted, which provides for very enjoyable reading. The report acknowledges the exceptional qualities of our brilliant school and our amazing community, which has evidently continued to go from strength to strength, further proving that we continue to be one of the very best schools in Greater Manchester, the Northwest, and indeed, across the country.

Extracts taken from the May 2025 Ofsted Inspection Report, confirm that in Stockport School:

“Pupils embody the values that this school sets out for them in a clear vision called the ‘Stockport School Way’. They are happy and proud to be a part of their supportive school community.”

“Pupils appreciate the high expectations that staff place on them and they rise to meet these.”

“Pupils study a broad and ambitious curriculum. They are enthusiastic about their learning, and they actively engage in their lessons. They achieve well.”

“Around the school site and in lessons, the atmosphere is calm and purposeful. Pupils learn without disruption. They are polite and considerate towards each other.”

“…the school provides a wide range of effective support, including access to specialised mental health services. This ensures that pupils’ needs are met well and that they are included in school life.”

“The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

“At a subject level, curriculums are well designed and clearly set out and order the knowledge that pupils need to learn.”

“…teachers employ effective assessment strategies to support pupils to fill in any gaps in their knowledge. This helps pupils to build their understanding securely and achieve highly.”

“Reading is promoted and prioritised in the school. Across all subjects, staff use effective literacy strategies to support pupils’ vocabulary development and comprehension skills. In addition, the school identifies and supports any pupils who have gaps in their reading knowledge.”

“The school has worked proactively with staff and pupils to uphold high standards of behaviour. Staff consistently use the school’s clear systems effectively to promote and reward positive pupil behaviour.”

“Pupils benefit from an extensive offer of enrichment activities and experiences that the school has designed to support their wider development.”

“A thoroughly designed and effective programme of careers information, advice and guidance is in place for all pupils, including work experience. This ensures that pupils are well prepared for their next steps in life and that they progress onto positive destinations when they leave school.”

“The school supports staff in a thoughtful and sustainable way so that their workload is manageable. Staff are able to focus on developing themselves professionally in their roles for the benefit of pupils.”

“The governing body provides strong support and challenge. This helps the school to continually review and improve the quality of education and opportunities that pupils receive.”

As Headteacher, I remain incredibly proud of our school, of all that we have achieved, and of the further heights that, together, we continue to strive for moving forward into the future. Stockport School very firmly continues to be an exceptional school, building upon its proud traditions and important history, whilst also leading the way in this modern day, through our commitment to ‘The Stockport School Way’ values of high standards and expectations, and through our unwavering commitment to provide the very best opportunities for student growth, development, and success within our strong school community.

I hope that you enjoy reading the attached report which I believe we should all be very proud of.

Thank you for your ongoing support as valued members of our Stockport School community.

With very best wishes,

Mr. I. R. Irwin

Headteacher

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School Performance

The Class of 2024 are Record Breakers!

An outstanding set of results!

Stockport School is again pleased to report outstanding achievements by our students on their GCSE and vocational qualifications this summer, breaking many school records this year. We are very proud to share our school headline measures below, and how they compare to national data.

Our students have been rewarded for their incredible hard work and their high levels of engagement in learning, throughout school since year 7 and into their final GCSE years. They demonstrated our PROUD values of Positivity, Respect, taking Opportunities, and demonstrating Unity and Determination.

Our teachers and support staff have worked tirelessly to prepare our students for their exams and they too have been rewarded with excellent results.

We are so proud of our school team, both students and staff, and we wish our Class of 2024 the congratulations they deserve and all the very best for their future.

Thank you to everyone for your support.

Velis Et Remis.

Stockport School Named Happiest Secondary School in the Borough!

Stockport School has officially been crowned the happiest secondary school in Stockport borough, with an impressive 92% satisfaction rate in a recent survey. This remarkable achievement places the school at the very top of the borough’s rankings, celebrating the positive environment, supportive staff, and thriving student community that make it a standout educational institution.

A Culture of Happiness and Success

Stockport School has long been known for its commitment to student well-being, academic excellence, and extracurricular enrichment. The school’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inspiring atmosphere has clearly paid off, with students expressing high levels of happiness and satisfaction in their school experience.

Headteacher, Ian Irwin, shared their thoughts on this achievement:

“At Stockport School, we believe that a happy student is a successful student. We work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and encouraged to achieve their full potential. This recognition is a testament to our fantastic staff, dedicated students, and supportive families who make our school a truly special place.”

How Stockport School Stands Out

Stockport School topped the list with 92% positive score against other schools in the borough

Although all these schools performed exceptionally well, Stockport School’s commitment to student well-being, inclusive education, and extracurricular engagement has helped it rise to the very top.

What Makes Students So Happy?

Students and parents attribute the school’s success to several key factors:

✅ Supportive Teachers & Staff – A dedicated team that ensures students feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
✅ A Strong Sense of Community – A welcoming and inclusive environment where every student feels they belong.
✅ Exciting Extracurricular Activities – From sports and music to drama and technology clubs, there’s something for everyone.
✅ Focus on Mental Health & Well-being – A proactive approach to mental health support, ensuring students feel confident and cared for.

A Bright Future Ahead

With this recognition, Stockport School continues to set the benchmark for happiness and student satisfaction in the borough. As the school looks to the future, it remains committed to fostering an environment where students thrive both academically and personally.

Congratulations to Stockport School on this fantastic achievement!
#HappiestSchool #StockportProud #Proud #TheStockportSchoolWay

*Article information is from The Times and The Sunday Times Source: Ofsted