St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School
Wigan, WN1 1XL · Wigan · primary school
Check the area around this school
30th 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 the 4,296 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.7/10 among them, against 4.6/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 3.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.7 out of 10 among them, against 4.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 209 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
Since the higher standard attainment is 3.0% versus the national 7%, what specific support is provided for pupils aiming to exceed expectations? How does the Outstanding rating from 2023 influence current teaching strategies?
What Ofsted said about St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils have “excellent attitudes to learning” and a “powerful sense of belonging” within a “friendly and caring school community.” Leaders have designed an “ambitious curriculum” that enables pupils to build knowledge “exceptionally well,” resulting in “remarkable” achievement across the school.
Strengths
- Teachers provide “clear instructions and explanations” and check learning regularly to address gaps quickly, ensuring pupils “progress through the curriculum smoothly and successfully.”
- Reading is given the “highest priority,” with staff delivering a highly effective phonics programme that helps pupils become “increasingly accomplished readers.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “highly effective support” and are included in the same curriculum, enabling many to “achieve as well as their peers.”
- Behaviour is “exemplary,” with staff addressing any misbehaviour “swiftly and decisively,” while pupils play effective roles in maintaining conduct.
- Governors are “high effective,” offering “meaningful challenge to leaders” and supporting staff well-being and workload management.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” supported by a “strong, well-established culture of vigilance” and comprehensive staff training.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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