Open Special Mixed

The Birches School

Newholme Road, Manchester, M20 2XZ
170 Pupils
— Capacity
4–11 Age Range
60.00% FSM %
115 Boys
55 Girls
About The Birches School

The Birches School is an Special schools for pupils aged 4–11 based in Manchester, North West. The school is mixed-gender and Open with a Does not apply character.

It has 170 pupils on roll. Current headteacher: Rob O'Hara.

All information is drawn from the GIAS dataset published by the Department for Education. School details including admissions and term dates should be verified with Manchester or the school directly.

School Details
Establishment Type Community special school
Type Group Special schools
Phase of Education Not applicable
Status Open
Local Authority Manchester
Region North West
Administrative District Manchester
Parliamentary Constituency Manchester Withington
Ward Didsbury West
Urban / Rural Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Admissions Policy Not applicable
Religious Character Does not apply
Gender Policy Mixed
Boarders No boarders
Sixth Form Not applicable
Nursery Provision No Nursery Classes
UKPRN 10077017
URN 105613
Data Last Updated 05-02-2026
Governors & Trustees (12)
NameRoleAppointedTerm EndsAppointing Body
Ms Jamie Bytheway Chair of Governors 12/12/2024 01/09/2025 Appointed by GB/board
Mr Cieran Cassidy Chair of Governors 01/09/2025 01/09/2026 Appointed by GB/board
Caroline Brader Governor 16/12/2024 15/12/2028 Elected by parents
Ms Jamie Bytheway Governor 01/05/2022 03/02/2026 Appointed by GB/board
Mr Ciaran Cassidy Governor 20/03/2022 19/03/2026 Nominated by LA and appointed by GB
Mr Alastair Dawson Governor 13/12/2022 12/12/2026 Appointed by GB/board
Mr Jamie Hibbert Governor 09/10/2024 08/10/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Ms Victoria Lygo Governor 07/11/2023 06/11/2027 Elected by school staff
Mrs Sarah Marshall Governor 09/10/2024 08/10/2028 Appointed by GB/board
Mrs Catherine Mullett Governor 12/12/2023 11/12/2027 Elected by parents
Mr Rob O'Hara Governor 01/09/2015 — Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal
Miriam Verghese Governor 13/12/2022 20/06/2025 Appointed by GB/board
Frequently Asked Questions
The Birches School is a Community special school (group: Special schools) in Manchester, Manchester.
The Birches School has 170 pupils.
The Birches School caters for pupils aged 4 to 11.
The Headteacher at The Birches School is Mr Rob O'Hara.
The Birches School is at Newholme Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2XZ, in the Manchester local authority, North West.
The Birches School is currently open.
Contact
Headteacher
Mr Rob O'Hara
Newholme Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2XZ
Location
Quick Summary
URN 105613
Status Open
Ofsted —
Data from DfE GIAS Mar 2026
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