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OpenOfsted: Improved significantlyURN 142782

The Orchards

Free schools special · Stretford · M32 9TG

Ages 3–11 · 148 pupils · Trafford

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Ofsted

Improved significantly

KS2 expected (RWM)

0%

Overall absence

7.9%

Ofsted

Latest published inspection outcomes — not a ranking.

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Headline

Improved significantly

Inspection date

2025-03-20

Source: Ofsted monthly management information

Performance

Official school-level results. Figures are not rankings — suppressed values are omitted.

Key stage 2 (2023/24)

Expected standard (RWM)0%
Higher standard (RWM)0%
Avg scaled score — reading
102.0
Avg scaled score — maths
94.0

Source: DfE school and college performance tables

Absence

Academic year 2023/24. Persistent absence means 10%+ of sessions missed. Lower figures are better.

Overall absence7.9%
Persistent absence (10%+)31.3%
Unauthorised1.8%
Authorised absence
6.1%
Severe absence (50%+)
1.8%
Enrolments in measure
112

Absence trend

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

  • Overall
  • Persistent (10%+)

Source: DfE pupil absence in schools in England

Size & intake

From the GIAS school census (15 Jan 2026).

Capacity fill99%

148 pupils · 149 places

Pupils on roll
148
Boys / girls
112 / 36
School capacity
149
Capacity fill
148 / 149 (99%)
Free school meals
52.5%
FSM pupils
74
Gender
Mixed
School type
Free schools special

Age range

Ages 3–11

05111619

Provision

Official GIAS characteristics

2 / 6

  • NurseryHas Nursery Classes
  • Sixth form
  • Boarding
  • Special school
  • Independent
  • Academy

School characteristics

Special classes
Has Special Classes
Governance
Academy trust: BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Academy trust
BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST
Sponsor
Bright Futures Educational Trust
Headteacher
Ms Helen O'Brien

Location

Address
Audley Avenue
Postcode
M32 9TG
Town
Stretford
County
Greater Manchester
Local authority
Trafford
District
Trafford
Constituency
Stretford and Urmston
Urban/rural
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Local context

How this school sits among open establishments in its area, using official GIAS records. These are counts, not rankings.

Mixed free schools special, Ages 3–11, in Stretford, Trafford, 148 pupils on roll. Notable characteristics: nursery, special school. Free school meals: 52.5%.

Open schools in Stretford
2
Academies among open schools in Stretford
0% (0)
Open schools in M32
13
Open schools in Trafford LA
104

Nearby schools

Open schools within about 3 miles, prioritising the same phase where possible. Distances are approximate from GIAS coordinates.

Compare with theseAll in StretfordNear M32

Contact

Headteacher
Ms Helen O'Brien
Telephone
01617480670
Website
https://theorchards.bright-futures.co.uk/

Official links