The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College
Wigan, WN1 1HQ · Wigan · secondary school
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16th 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 — 5.1/10 against 744 of them, against 4.0/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 18 | 35% | 0.63 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 44.8 · 50 | 30% | 1.49 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.31 · 26 | 25% | 0.66 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.2 · 45 | 10% | 0.45 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 for 2023/24 was -0.31, 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 (4.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Physics Olympiad, The Ogden Trust School Physicist of the Year Award, HMG Cyber Schools Programme, and Society of Biology Quiz. Trips include visits to EuroDisney, Berlin, York, Edge Hill University, Grasmere, the International Business Festival, the Royal Court of Justice, and Nice-Pak UK.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,365 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,389. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for the Physics Olymp
What Ofsted said about The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College
Overview
The inspection describes a school where pupils enjoy their time and feel safe, supported by a strong Christian ethos and a highly impactful personal development programme. While most areas meet the expected standard, the personal development and wellbeing provision is rated at a strong standard, described as the "jewel in its crown."
Strengths
- The ‘Reach’ curriculum is "thoughtfully customised" to help pupils develop morally and spiritually, fostering respectful citizenship.
- Staff provide "bespoke pastoral support systems" and timely external specialist advice to support pupil wellbeing.
- Pupils demonstrate "maturity and a quiet confidence," treating peers with "respect and tolerance in abundance."
- Teachers "know their pupils very well," particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, providing effective tailored help.
- The sixth form offers "highly supportive pastoral systems" and personalised learning that helps students achieve their potential.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "refine the processes in place to evaluate the impact of their actions" to drive further improvements.
- Leaders must "sharpen the systems that they have in place to improve attendance" to ensure all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, attend more often.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.0 |
| 2024/25 | 45.7 |
| 2025/26 | 45.2 |
| 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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