Highfield St Matthew's Church of England Primary School
Wigan, WN3 6BL · Wigan · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 97 primary schools in Wigan we can score, 99 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 9.3/10 against 2,919 of them, against 8.6/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.57 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highfield St Matthew's Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 14.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 415 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6 students this term?
What Ofsted said about Highfield St Matthew's Church of England Primary School
Overview
The report describes a "happy and harmonious" school where pupils are "proud members" of the community. Leaders have established a culture where "only the best is good enough," resulting in high expectations for both learning and conduct. The school is judged as "Good" across all inspection categories, including overall effectiveness, the quality of education, and safeguarding.
Strengths
- The "bespoke and ambitious curriculum" is carefully ordered to ensure new content builds on prior knowledge, bringing subjects to life.
- Staff possess "secure subject knowledge" and use regular checks to identify misconceptions, ensuring pupils, including those with SEND, learn well.
- Leaders are "persistent in their ambition" for fluent reading, with early readers using sounds to read with "increasing fluency" and confidence.
- Pupils experience a "wide range of extra-curricular activities," such as cooking, museum visits, and residential trips, enriching their education.
- Leaders act "decisively and promptly" to resolve bullying, helping pupils feel "safe and well cared for."
Areas to improve
- In a "very small number of subjects," pupils’ knowledge is not as secure because curriculums are not fully embedded; leaders must ensure pupils have "sufficient opportunities to revisit and strengthen their learning."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are "highly tenacious" in keeping children safe and are "very vigilant" in spotting behavioural changes.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 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
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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