Hazel Grove High School has secured a series of strong judgments in its first Ofsted inspection under a new framework, with inspectors praising its ambitious vision and high expectations. The inspection report, published on 6 July following a visit on 28 April, awarded ‘Strong’ ratings in Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, Personal Development and Wellbeing, and Post-16 provision. Safeguarding was found to be fully effective.
The school, part of the Laurus Trust, also received ‘Expected’ ratings in Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, and Curriculum and Teaching. Inspectors noted that leaders, trustees and governors share “a clear, ambitious vision for the school” and maintain “the highest expectations for pupils’ academic and personal development.” Head of School Emma Moroney said the report reflects those expectations and the inclusive ethos at the school’s heart.
The inspection highlighted the Sixth Form as a significant strength, with A‑level results in 2025 sitting above the national average. An average point score of 43.33 compared to the England average of 35.00. The provision closed temporarily for building works in summer 2022 and reopened in September 2023. The report also noted that pupils achieve well across Key Stages 3 and 4 and leave Year 11 well prepared for further education, employment or training. Of the 1,435 pupils currently on roll—above the national average of 1,067 and exceeding the school’s capacity of 1,384—95 per cent of Year 11 leavers moved on to appropriate destinations.
The positive verdict arrives shortly after a significant leadership change. Moroney took up her post in January 2026 alongside two other senior leaders. The trust’s CEO, Linda Magrath OBE, said the report “reflects the commitment and ambition of everyone across the school community” and underscored the trust’s focus on levelling the playing field for young people.
Hazel Grove High School sits on Jacksons Lane and serves the local community as an inclusive 11–18 school. The full report is available on Ofsted’s website.
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