St Michael's CofE Primary School, Howe Bridge
Greater Manchester, M46 0PA · Wigan · primary school
Check the area around this school
44th 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 — 6.5/10 against 3,300 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Michael's CofE Primary School, Howe Bridge 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%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023-12.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 207 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 last inspection was in 2023-12, what recent changes have been made to the curriculum? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs support pupils’ daily routine?
What Ofsted said about St Michael's CofE Primary School, Howe Bridge
Overview
The report states that pupils are happy and feel welcome, supported by staff who ensure their safety and provide effective additional support, particularly for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school delivers a well-structured curriculum that enables pupils to build a secure body of knowledge, preparing them well for their next stages of education.
Strengths
- Pupils are described as “respectful, polite and courteous,” working well together and contributing to the smooth running of the school.
- Teachers deliver the curriculum with confidence, addressing misconceptions and providing “sharply focused additional support” that helps pupils achieve well.
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with high-quality texts and expert phonics support ensuring pupils develop “fluency and accuracy in their reading.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “carefully tailored support,” enabling them to benefit from the same curriculum and grow in confidence.
- Leaders and governors actively seek views from staff, parents, and pupils, ensuring changes do not create additional workload.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure younger pupils learn to correctly form letters of sounds they have learned, as current gaps hinder some pupils’ writing in key stage 1.
- The school should clarify the key knowledge about other cultures that pupils should learn, as some pupils’ understanding of cultures different to their own is currently limited.
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 | 87% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 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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