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The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is a voluntary aided secondary school in Manchester , serving pupils aged 11–16, with 918 pupils, and a capacity of 900 places. The school is currently at or above capacity, making catchment area proximity important for admissions.

11–16

Age range

918

Pupils

900

Capacity

102%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2019

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College Catchment Area Information

Admission to The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is managed by Manchester and typically includes both faith criteria and catchment area proximity. The weighting given to each criterion depends on the school's published oversubscription policy, which is reviewed annually.

Currently oversubscribed: 918 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 900 places. Living within the catchment area is especially important for this school.

Not getting a place? Learn how to appeal a school place →

The official admissions policy — including the catchment boundary map — is published by Manchester before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Manchester catchment area documents →

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College — School Information

Full address
Parrs Wood Road, East Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6BX
Local authority
Manchester
School type
Voluntary aided school
Phase of education
Secondary
Age range
11–16 years
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Admissions policy
Non-selective
Free school meals
38.8% of pupils
DfE URN
105581

Other Secondary Schools in Manchester

If The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is oversubscribed, these secondary schools in Manchester are the next closest alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions — The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College

Is The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College oversubscribed?

Yes — The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College currently has 918 pupils enrolled against a capacity of 900 places. Catchment area proximity is an important admissions criterion when applying.

What is the admissions policy for The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College?

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College uses both faith criteria and catchment area proximity in its admissions policy. The weighting is reviewed annually and published by Manchester before each admissions cycle.

What age range does The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College cover?

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College is a secondary school in Manchester, serving pupils aged 11–16. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College?

The Barlow RC High School and Specialist Science College was rated Good by Ofsted in 2019. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.