Welcome

About Didsbury High School

Didsbury High School is an 11-18 secondary school serving the South Manchester community and part of the Laurus Trust family.

Since opening in 2019, we have established a reputation for high standards, academic excellence and a culture where students are encouraged to aim high. This was recognised in 2023 when Ofsted judged us Outstanding in all areas during our first inspection.

We are proud to be Unashamedly Academic and Unapologetically Aspirational. We believe every young person should be challenged to achieve their very best, supported to develop a deep understanding of the subjects they study and encouraged to embrace every opportunity available to them.

Our broad and ambitious curriculum is designed to develop knowledge, confidence and intellectual curiosity. Alongside academic achievement, students are encouraged to discover new interests, contribute to school life and develop the skills that will support their future success.

Many students choose to continue their journey at Didsbury Sixth Form, where they are supported to pursue ambitious goals and prepare for the next stage of their education.

Based in a modern building with state-of-the-art facilities, Didsbury High School provides an environment where students can thrive both inside and beyond the classroom. Our aim is for every young person to leave us with a lifelong love of learning, the confidence to embrace new challenges and the ambition to pursue the future of their choice.

Katie Houghton

Head of School

Since the very moment Didsbury High School opened its doors to students, Katie has been part of the school’s leadership team, striving for brilliant outcomes for the students. She has been the school’s Deputy Head over the last couple of years and feels extremely privileged to have become the school’s second ever Head.

Initially a History teacher and Head of House at Cheadle Hulme High School, Katie gained the post of Assistant Head of School for Didsbury High School (DHS) the year before it opened.

She has been part of the team that saw Didsbury High School through from conception to reality. Throughout her years at DHS, Katie’s energy has been placed in ensuring the students become successful, happy and healthy individuals – a mission she continues to strive for as Head of School.

Katie has lived in Manchester since she went to the University of Manchester to read History in 2008. Katie also gained a PGCE, then later a Masters in Education, from Manchester Metropolitan University. She now lives in Didsbury with her young family. Katie is also a keen athlete, and has played semi-professional rugby for Sale Sharks. So, although not a born or bred Mancunian, Manchester holds a very special place in her heart!

Katie is absolutely committed to making Didsbury High School a true community school; a school the staff, students and local residents are extremely proud of.

David Woolley

Executive Head

Before taking up the reins at Didsbury High School, David was a Deputy Head at Cheadle Hulme High School. Prior to this, he taught for over 10 years in Manchester. He is a Specialist Leader of Education who supports colleagues and schools across the region. David is delighted to have been the founding Head of School at Didsbury High School.

In 2008, having achieved the very highest standards of classroom practice, David secured his Advanced Skills Teacher status (AST) in Mathematics. This enabled him to share his skills and experience with other teachers across Greater Manchester. He then went on to develop and lead departments in other schools.

Soon after joining Cheadle Hulme High School, David completed his doctorate in education and now leads the Trust’s Research and Development programme. Through this work he co-founded the North West One Maths Hub which works to improve the teaching of mathematics across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Having been born and raised in Didsbury, David is committed to ensuring the very best education and opportunities for the children of Manchester and firmly believes that second best for anyone simply will not do.