Dean Trust Wigan
Wigan, WN5 0DQ · Wigan · secondary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 19 secondary schools in Wigan we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 1.2/10 against 191 of them, against 0.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 25.2 · 8 | 30% | 0.24 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -1.12 · 2 | 25% | 0.04 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 37.5 · 10 | 10% | 0.11 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dean Trust Wigan overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 22.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 33.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -1.12 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 715 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,025. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific actions are being taken to address the 'Requires improvement' rating from the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Dean Trust Wigan
Overview
The report describes Dean Trust Wigan as an "improving school" where most pupils feel "happy and safe." While leaders have a "sharp focus on improving the quality of education" and the curriculum is "ambitious and well thought out," inconsistent teaching delivery and high absenteeism currently prevent some pupils from achieving their potential.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "rich, varied and ambitious," with a "logical order" for introducing concepts that helps map out knowledge effectively.
- Behaviour has improved, with classrooms described as "calm and orderly" and most pupils embodying values of being "ready, respectful" and "responsible."
- The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "quickly and accurately identified," ensuring they are "fully involved in all aspects of school life."
- Pupils receive an "effective programme of careers education" and understand how to keep themselves safe, including online.
- Staff are "appreciative of how the school has taken steps to be considerate of their well-being and workload."
Areas to improve
- Ensure teachers use effective methods to build on prior knowledge so that pupils’ subject knowledge is secure and curriculum delivery is consistent.
- Implement a consistent approach to assessment across all subjects to swiftly identify and address gaps in pupils’ learning.
- Develop the reading curriculum to ensure pupils read widely from a "rich body of texts" and for pleasure.
- Improve attendance for the significant minority of pupils who regularly miss school, which hinders their progress.
- Embed the personal development programme so pupils have a better understanding of "fundamental British values" and tolerance.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 31.4 |
| 2024/25 | 33.1 |
| 2025/26 | 37.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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