Education and Schools in Manchester

If you’re moving to Manchester with children, finding the right school will be a priority. Relocating to a new place can be unsettling for your kids, and choosing a good school plays a significant role in ensuring a successful transition into Manchester life.

Factors worth considering include your child’s English language proficiency and academic ability. It is also best to first select a good school before deciding which neighbourhood to settle in, as many state schools in the UK base admission on catchment areas.

Government-funded schools in Manchester

The standard of government-funded or state schools in Manchester varies tremendously, with many achieving ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted, the UK's school-rating authority. Schools in more affluent areas tend to have higher standards as schools are funded by property taxes.

State education in the UK is free for British citizens and legal foreign residents and is funded through taxation. You should review the Ofsted reports for detailed insights into the quality of teaching and facilities at individual schools.

Admission criteria for state schools often include proximity to the school, siblings already attending the school, and sometimes faith criteria for religious schools. Parents should contact schools directly to understand specific admission processes.

Useful Links

• Ofsted Reports
• Manchester City Council: Schools

Independent schools in Manchester

Manchester hosts a considerable number of independent schools known for their high educational standards and extensive facilities. Although fees are substantial, they reflect the quality and breadth of education provided, including smaller class sizes and superior academic performance. You must also budget for additional costs, such as extracurricular activities, stationery, school uniforms and overseas trips.

Entrance to independent schools typically involves assessments such as entrance exams or interviews. You should verify the financial and academic requirements directly with the schools.

Useful Links

• Independent Schools Council: Schools in Manchester

International schools in Manchester

While no schools teach foreign curricula in Manchester, a few offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB is a good choice for expat families, as it’s well recognised by universities worldwide and standardised throughout the world. These schools facilitate a smooth educational continuation for children from various international backgrounds.

If you wish to have your children study the national curriculum of your home country, it might be worthwhile considering international schools in London. As the capital, London is home to a diverse range of schools offering foreign curricula in the language of the school’s country of origin.

Many international schools are oversubscribed, so it’s best to start the application process as early as possible to secure a place. In addition, international schools are typically even pricier than regular private schools, so you should ensure you are aware of the financial commitment involved in fees and extras.

Useful Links

• International Baccalaureate Official site

Special-needs education in Manchester

Manchester has a policy of inclusion in place, and the government is working towards ensuring children with special needs are supported and have the same access to education as their peers. This policy of inclusion attempts to keep children with different educational needs in mainstream schools, where they will be taught in mainstream classes but provided with any additional support they require.

Although the inclusion policy means mainstream schools are building their staff and facilities to accommodate children with special educational needs, it is wise to research what your school of choice offers before applying.

There are also specific special-needs schools in Manchester for children who require extra support that cannot be offered to them at a mainstream school.

Useful Links

• Manchester City Council: SEN Support
• IPSEA
• Nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs)

Tutoring in Manchester

Tutors can be helpful for expat families in several situations. Children from abroad may need a little help catching up to the local curriculum, or they could benefit from extra tutoring for the English language if it isn’t their mother tongue. If your family's mother tongue isn't English and you're worried about your children losing proficiency while in Manchester, consider hiring a tutor who is a fellow native speaker and can help maintain fluency.

Useful Links

• The Tutor Trust