St Catharine's CofE Primary School
Wigan, WN1 3LP · Wigan · primary school
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91st 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 — 0.7/10 against 948 of them, against 0.8/10 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Catharine's CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join iPad, Cheerleading, Gardening, Worship, Homework, Timestables, and Board Games clubs. Sports include Cricket, Multisport, Sailing, Climbing, Archery, and Assault courses. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 205 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 have not reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children progress towards the higher standard? How does the school manage the transition for pupils moving between year groups?
What Ofsted said about St Catharine's CofE Primary School
Overview
Pupils are proud of their school and enjoy learning in an “extremely calm and purposeful learning environment.” Leaders have designed a “relevant and ambitious curriculum” that is carefully matched to pupils’ needs, resulting in strong progress in reading, writing, and mathematics. The school fosters a culture where pupils behave exceptionally well and feel happy and safe.
Strengths
- Pupils “behave exceptionally well” and demonstrate high levels of politeness and respect, creating a distraction-free learning atmosphere.
- Leaders have placed reading at the heart of the curriculum, with skilled staff delivering a systematic phonics programme that builds confidence and fluency.
- Staff are well trained to adapt the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they access the same ambitious content as their peers.
- The school offers rich enrichment opportunities, such as theatre trips and sailing, which help pupils “discover and develop new talents and interests.”
- Governors and leaders are “uncompromising in their ambition for all pupils” and work diligently to improve the school while considering staff well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, leaders must finalise curriculum thinking to ensure teachers are clear on the essential subject-specific vocabulary pupils must learn and the order in which it is taught.
- Pupils’ knowledge of democracy is less secure than other aspects of personal development, though leaders are actively working to improve this.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of care and vigilance” ensuring staff are alert to risks and respond quickly to concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 40% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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