The Barlow RC High School
Voluntary aided secondary school in Manchester (Manchester).
Location
iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).About
We are a school that embraces Christian values, fosters academic excellence, delivers a broad, balanced, challenging, knowledge-rich curriculum and ensures the highest quality of teaching and learning. As a Catholic school, The Barlow has a distinct ethos which is centred on the teachings of Jesus.
We believe that each person is made in the image and likeness of God and we aim to develop pupils' gifts and talents so that they reach their full potential. The Barlow promotes excellence for young people in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We are a diverse and inclusive community and as such, we welcome pupils of all faiths and those without.
Our community is built on outstanding relationships. Our school motto is Rise up, take courage and do it. We believe it is more important than ever in today's society for our pupils to show courage, embrace challenges head on, pursue their dreams and make a difference in society.
In the school’s own words, from the school website.
Enrichment
9 activitiesiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Chess
- Dance
- Drama
- Duke of Edinburgh
- Football
- Netball
- Photography
- Textiles
- Times Tables Rock Stars
Awards
5 awardsiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Anti-Bullying CharterRecognised award
- Duke of EdinburghPersonal development
- Healthy SchoolsHealth and wellbeing
- Stonewall School ChampionLGBT+ inclusion
- Wellbeing Award for SchoolsRecognised award
Key facts
- URN
- 105581
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Nursery
- No Nursery Classes
- Local authority
- Manchester
- Constituency
- Manchester Withington
- Setting
- Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Governing body (10 current, 4 former)
Maintained school governing body.
Leadership
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Catherine Redford | Chair of Governors | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
Full governing body
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fr John Hitchen | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Sarah Moister | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Dr Gerard Montgomery | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mrs Tracey Collins | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Mr David McKeever | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Mrs Anne Marie Chidgey | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Mrs Claire Stott | Governor | Elected by parents | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Mrs Nicola Cooke | Governor | Elected by school staff | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Ms Claire Wallace | Governor | Ex-officio foundation governor (appointed by foundation by virtue of the office they hold) | since 2019 |
| Mr Martin Lochery Former | Governor | Nominated by LA and appointed by GB | since 2025 · term ended 2026 |
| Miss Ann McPartland Former | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2022 · term ended 2026 |
| Lynda Waine Former | Governor | Foundation/sponsor members | since 2022 · term ended 2026 |
| Mrs Sarah Conlon Former | Governor | Elected by parents | since 2022 · term ended 2026 |
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record