Nicol Mere School
Wigan, WN4 8DF · Wigan · primary school
Check the area around this school
2nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 10.0/10 against 2,938 of them, against 9.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 97.0 · 100 | 40% | 3.98 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 33.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Nicol Mere School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 97.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A further 33.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in January 2024. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (10.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Self Defence, Sewing, and Chess clubs, or participate in Football and Multi-Sports. Arts options include Choir and Performing Arts & Dance. Trips visit Hinning House, The Anderton Centre, Brathay Hall, and PGL. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 418 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 after-school club integrate with the main curriculum? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Nicol Mere School
Overview
Nicol Mere School is described as an “exceptional school” where pupils are “immensely proud and happy” to attend. The report highlights that the school maintains “exceptionally high” aspirations, resulting in pupils who are “confident and highly articulate learners” making “exceptional progress” across the curriculum.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “meticulously crafted” with key knowledge identified with “absolute precision and clarity,” enabling pupils to build “firm foundations for future learning.”
- Staff deliver the curriculum with “expertise and enthusiasm,” expertly designing activities that help pupils make “strong connections” between existing and new knowledge.
- Reading is central to the school’s ethos, with a phonics programme delivered with “absolute fidelity” and pupils showing “exceptionally positive attitudes” towards books.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported through timely identification and skilful scaffolding, allowing them to “master the same curriculum content as their peers.”
- Personal development is “exemplary,” with pupils engaging in diverse opportunities such as financial awareness, fundraising, and acting as “mental health champions.”
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 97% |
| 2023/24 | 98% |
| 2024/25 | 97% |
| 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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