Hazel Grove High School is celebrating a highly positive Ofsted report that highlights the school’s clear focus on academic success, alongside its ambition, strong leadership and commitment to ensuring all pupils succeed.

The school, part of the Laurus Trust, was inspected in April 2026 under Ofsted’s new framework. Inspectors recognised that leaders, trustees and governors share “a clear, ambitious vision for the school” and maintain “uncompromisingly high expectations for all pupils,” particularly in their academic and personal development.

The report card shows:

Strong standard in:

  • Inclusion
  • Leadership and governance
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Post-16 provision

Expected standard in:

  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Curriculum and teaching

Safeguarding was confirmed as fully effective and robust, with a culture where pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

High expectations and a clear academic focus

A defining feature of Hazel Grove is its consistently high expectations. Inspectors noted that leaders have “the highest expectations for pupils’ academic and personal development,” underpinned by a clear and ambitious vision.

This is reflected in a broad and appropriately organised curriculum, designed so that pupils build their knowledge securely over time. Teachers demonstrate secure subject knowledge, and there is a strong focus on communication and vocabulary to support pupils’ learning across subjects.

Across the school, a sharp focus on routines and a calm, purposeful environment ensures that pupils are ready to learn and able to succeed. As a result, inspectors found that, “pupils enjoy learning” and engage positively with their studies, including opportunities to explore complex current issues and develop cultural appreciation.

Strong outcomes and successful progression

The school’s approach is leading to secure and improving outcomes. Ofsted confirmed that, “pupils achieve well across Key Stages 3 and 4” and, “achieve well overall in national examinations.”

By the end of Year 11, pupils leave with the qualifications they need to “progress confidently on to further education, employment or training,” reflecting strong academic preparation.

The Sixth Form is a significant strength of the school. Students follow “an ambitious and broad academic curriculum” and “achieve highly,” with outcomes at the end of Year 13 above the national average.

The school’s careers programme was also recognised as being “highly effective,” ensuring pupils and students are well prepared for their next steps.

Inclusion and high-quality support

Inclusion sits firmly at the heart of the school’s work. Inspectors highlighted leaders’ “sophisticated understanding” of disadvantage and the strong support in place for pupils with SEND, enabling them to participate fully and achieve well.

This is supported by well-trained staff who benefit from the Laurus Trust’s “high-quality professional learning programmes,” with training that is prioritised and informed by research.

A wide range of opportunities to grow and lead

Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities that support their wider development. Inspectors found that pupils, “thrive in ways that extend beyond the classroom,” taking full advantage of activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, museum visits and overseas trips.

Pupils also develop leadership skills through roles such as Sports Captain, House Captain, Student Councillor and participation in the Student Cabinet, helping them grow in confidence and take an active role in school life.

Building on clear strengths

Overall, the report recognises Hazel Grove High School as a caring, inclusive and ambitious school where pupils achieve well and are prepared for their futures.

With strengths in Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, Personal Development and Post-16 provision, and secure performance across Achievement, Behaviour and Curriculum, the school is well placed to continue building on this strong foundation.

Emma Moroney, Head of School, said:

“We are very pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strength of our school and the positive culture we are continuing to build.

We are proud that the report reflects both our high expectations for students and the strong outcomes they achieve, alongside the inclusive ethos that sits at the heart of Hazel Grove.

It is particularly encouraging to see the recognition of our Sixth Form, our leadership, and the wide range of opportunities available to our students both in and beyond the classroom.

This is a really positive moment for our school community, and we will use it as a strong platform to build from and to ensure every student leaves Hazel Grove confident, successful and well prepared for the future of their choice.”

Linda Magrath OBE, CEO of the Laurus Trust, added:

“This is a very positive report for Hazel Grove High School and a reflection of the commitment, expertise and ambition of everyone across the school community.

At the Laurus Trust, we are focused on levelling the playing field for young people, making sure that background, need or circumstance does not limit what a student can achieve. It is therefore particularly pleasing to see Ofsted recognise the school’s commitment to inclusion at all levels.

The report also highlights the strength of leadership at Hazel Grove, the quality of professional development for staff, and the shared commitment to ensuring students are well taught, well supported and well prepared for their next steps.

“We are proud of the progress the school is making and will continue to work closely with leaders, staff, governors and families as Hazel Grove builds on this success.”

To read the full report click here: Hazel Grove High School – Ofsted Reports