Edstart
· M6 6DW
EdStart is a specialist independent SEND and alternative provision school operating across Greater Manchester and Merseyside (with sites in Salford, Wirral, Oldham & Rochdale, and Bolton). The school is explicitly designed to support young people with social, emotional, mental health needs and complex learning profiles who have not thrived in mainstream settings. EdStart emphasises a nurturing, trauma-informed environment with high staff commitment to reducing barriers and enabling each pupil to find their 'WHY'. The network has demonstrated measurable success in re-engaging learners and achieving qualifications through DfE-registered and examination-body-accredited provision.
- →Specialist expertise in SEND and emotional/mental health needs with proven track record of engaging pupils others have not reached
- →Smaller cohorts (87 pupils across the network location) enabling personalised, high-touch pastoral and academic support
- →Nurturing, non-judgmental environment explicitly designed to rebuild confidence and help young people feel valued and secure
Who thrives here
Pupils with diagnosed or emerging social, emotional, and mental health needs; those with complex SEND profiles; young people who have experienced educational trauma or disengagement in mainstream settings; students requiring smaller class sizes and individualised learning plans.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
EdStart Specialist Education, 5 Gerald Road, Salford
M6 6DW
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How do you get into Edstart?
Edstart admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Edstart's exam results?
At Edstart, 0% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Edstart a boarding school?
Edstart is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.
What is Edstart's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Edstart “Good” (2023). This grading is no longer issued — both inspectorates have since changed how they report outcomes.
Further reading
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional pastoral care and emotional support enabling pupils to feel valued and secure
✓Staff dedication, compassion and non-judgmental approach to supporting complex learners
✓Proven success in re-engaging young people and helping them make progress after previous educational failure
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected at Salford site (though Wirral site rated Good); limited publicly available outcome data on destinations