Best Schools in Rochdale

One of the most important factors for families to consider when deciding where to live is whether the area has good schools to choose from. Many schools have a specific catchment area that pupils must live in to be able to attend the school, so researching the best local schools and checking their admissions policies is important before making an offer on a property.

Rochdale was recently listed as the most affordable area of Greater Manchester to buy a property, and it also has some of the best schools. Areas such as Bamford, Milnrow and Littleborough are ideal locations for the best schools in Rochdale.

Before you decide where to move to, read our full guide to the best schools in Rochdale to help you find the perfect primary or secondary school for your child.

Best Primary Schools in Rochdale

All Souls Church of England Primary School

Rye Street, Heywood, OL10 4DF

This primary school in Heywood gained an Outstanding Ofsted rating in their latest report. The pupil population for the last academic year was 235 pupils, 52% of which were girls. The school has a nursery admitting children from age 3. There are many extra-curricular clubs, including sports clubs and regular events within the local community.

St Michael’s Church of England Primary School, Bamford

Bury and Rochdale Old Road, Heywood, OL10 4BB

Another primary school with an Outstanding Ofsted rating in Heywood, St Michael’s C of E is a small school accepting children aged 3 to 11, with a population of 224 pupils in the last academic year. In a parent questionnaire, some of the comments included “A great school who always puts the children’s best interests at heart. Parents are greatly valued. A school where opportunities are limitless.”

Whittaker Moss Primary School

Highwood, Rochdale, OL11 5XP

In the Norden area of Rochdale, Whittaker Primary School is an Outstanding school with a population of 420 pupils in the last academic year, with close to a 50/50 gender split. The school runs several clubs, including sports, coding, choir, cooking and art.

Caldershaw Primary School

Edenfield Road, Rochdale, OL12 7Q

Caldershaw Primary School is located in the rural area of Caldershaw and was rated as Outstanding in the last Ofsted inspection. The small primary school had a population of 236 pupils in the last academic year. Ofsted inspectors stated in their report “Caldershaw is an outstanding school. Pupils’ personal development, including their behaviour and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, is outstanding. These outcomes are promoted exceptionally well through the excellent curriculum and outstanding care, guidance and support.”

St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School

Foxholes Road, Rochdale, OL12 0ET

St Patrick’s is an Outstanding primary school with a pupil population of 306 in the last academic year. The voluntary academy is part of the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy. The Headteacher statement on the school website says “Pupils feel safe and valued within our Catholic Christian atmosphere. Our curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.”

Shawclough Community Primary School

Thrum Hall Lane, Rochdale, OL12 6DE

This primary school was rated Good in 2013 and is one of the larger primary schools in the Rochdale area, with a pupil population of 464 in the last academic year. The latest Ofsted report included these comments: “The school provides outstanding care, guidance and support for pupils’ welfare and well-being. As a result, pupils are exceptionally proud of their school and behave impeccably towards each other and the adults working with them. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.”

Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School Rochdale

Kingsway, Rochdale, OL16 4AW

Sacred Heart is a small school with a pupil population of 234, and was rated as a Good school in the 2019 inspection, with inspectors commenting that “leaders have addressed areas for improvement effectively since the school’s previous inspection”.

Ashfield Valley Primary School

New Barn Lane, Rochdale, OL11 1TA

Ashfield Valley is a small school with a pupil population of 235 and was rated Good in the last Ofsted inspection. The Ofsted inspectors commented, “Staff and governors are committed and dedicated to providing the best educational outcomes for pupils.”

Best Secondary Schools in Rochdale

Falinge Park High School

Falinge Road, Rochdale, OL12 6LD

Rated Good in the last Ofsted inspection, Falinge Park High School has a strong focus on providing a curriculum that drives school improvement and pupil development. The school also offers a varied extra-curricular program and study skills support to prepare pupils for university and job applications.

Kingsway Park High School

Turf Hill Road, Rochdale, OL16 4XA

Kingsway Park is a popular and inclusive school that places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and personal growth. It was rated Good in the last Ofsted inspection. The school’s dedicated staff provide tailored support to help each student reach their full potential, and the school has a vibrant extra-curricular program.

Hollingworth Academy

Cornfield Street, Rochdale, OL16 3DR

Hollingworth Academy is a highly respected school with a strong focus on academic achievement and personal development. The school’s innovative curriculum and teaching methods help students to develop critical thinking skills and a love of learning. The school has a thriving extra-curricular program, including sports, music, and drama. The school was rated Good in the latest Ofsted inspection.

Matthew Moss High School

Matthew Moss Lane, Rochdale, OL11 3LU

Matthew Moss High School is a Good school with a focus on developing and empowering pupils for a life of learning, facilitating social and emotional development as well as academic development.

Rochdale Sixth Form College

College Road, Rochdale, OL12 6HY

Rochdale Sixth Form is a highly regarded college, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, that offers a wide range of A-level and vocational courses. The college has a strong focus on developing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as providing excellent support for university applications.

Best Independent Schools in Rochdale

Beech House School

184 Manchester Road Rochdale OL11 4JQ

Beech House School has an excellent reputation for quality of education. It has been awarded Most Outstanding Independent School 2021: Greater Manchester, Excellence Award for Holistic Education & Development 2021 and Independent School of the Year 2020.

Rochdale Islamic Academy

Rochdale Islamic Academy has a girls’ and a boys’ school for 11 to 16 year olds:

Rochdale Islamic Academy Girls is a former music school with excellent facilities and pupils regularly achieve good exam results, including 96% of pupils attaining 5 GCSEs (4-9) in the last academic year.

Greenbank Rd, OL12 0HZ

Rochdale Islamic Academy Boys is a “safe Islamic environment in which students flourish” with an innovative Islamic curriculum that enables pupils to develop personally, academically and spiritually.

36 Taylor Street, Rochdale, OL12 0HX

Bolton School

Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4PA

Located in the neighbouring town of Bolton, this co-educational independent school for ages 0-18 has a strong academic reputation and provides a nurturing and supportive environment for its pupils.

Manchester Grammar School

Old Hall Ln, Manchester M13 0XT

One of the most prestigious independent schools in the region, the Manchester Grammar School has a long history of academic excellence and offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

If your search for a good school for your child involves a house move, we can help. Contact us to discuss our range of properties close to these and other reputable schools.