The Byrchall High School
Wigan, WN4 9PQ · Wigan · secondary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 19 secondary schools in Wigan we can score. 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 — 3.6/10 against 690 of them, against 2.8/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 38.1 · 33 | 30% | 0.98 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.4 · 21 | 25% | 0.52 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.8 · 33 | 10% | 0.33 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Byrchall High School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022. In 2024/25, 39.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.4 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Choir and Expressive Arts clubs, participate in skiing and water sports, and attend trips including a Year 7 Residential, Ypres, and a Ski Trip. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,138 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,216. 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 to close the gap between their Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific support is offered for pupils with a negative Progress 8 score?
What Ofsted said about The Byrchall High School
Overview
The Byrchall High School has undergone "considerable improvement" since its previous inspection, with leaders implementing a "clear and ambitious strategy" that places pupils’ best interests at its heart. The school now delivers a "well-designed and ambitious curriculum" where pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, "progress well." Overall, the inspection judged the school’s effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour, personal development, and leadership as Good.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well ordered to help pupils build their knowledge," resulting in pupils, especially in key stage 4, understanding and remembering more.
- Pupils behave well, with classrooms described as "calm and orderly places to learn" and incidents of bullying dealt with effectively.
- Personal development is promoted well, with pupils gaining knowledge to "live safe and happy lives" through clubs, trips, and dedicated lessons.
- Leaders have robust systems to identify and support pupils with reading difficulties, helping most become "confident readers."
- Governors and trustees play a "significant part" in the school’s work, actively supporting leaders and protecting staff from excessive workload.
Areas to improve
- In a "small minority of subjects," some teachers do not ensure pupils’ learning builds securely on prior knowledge, preventing optimal progress. Leaders must ensure the planned curriculum is "delivered consistently well across all subjects."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff receive frequent training and work well with external agencies to ensure vulnerable pupils receive necessary help.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.4 |
| 2024/25 | 41.3 |
| 2025/26 | 42.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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