Nicol Mere School Review 2026: Elite Performance in the Heart of Wigan

Nicol Mere School stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Ashton-in-Makerfield, consistently delivering results that place it among the very best primary schools in England. Serving a mixed gender cohort of approximately 420 pupils, the school has cultivated a reputation for rigour and achievement that draws families from across the Wigan borough. In the most recent national assessments, the school achieved an extraordinary feat, ranking 1st in Wigan and 6th out of over 15,000 schools in England for primary outcomes. This elite performance (top 2% in England) is not a one-off occurrence but the result of a deeply embedded culture of high expectations and systematic teaching.

The atmosphere at Nicol Mere is one of purposeful energy. While the Victorian-inspired red-brick architecture on Roman Road provides a traditional anchor, the internal life of the school is modern, focused, and high-achieving. Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs Stephanie Swift, who took the helm in September 2021 after serving as Deputy Head, the school has maintained a rare level of consistency. The latest Ofsted inspection in November 2023 awarded the school an Outstanding rating across all areas, noting that the school functions as a cohesive community where every child is encouraged to exceed their perceived limits.

Staff at Nicol Mere are described by parents as approachable yet professionally demanding, creating an environment where children feel safe to take intellectual risks. The school does not rely on a high-pressure exam factory model; instead, it fosters a sense of pride in work and a genuine love for learning. This balance ensures that while the academic metrics are world-class, the pupils remain grounded and enthusiastic members of the local community.

The 2024 KS2 results tell a story of near-total proficiency. An incredible 99% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, a figure that towers over the England average of 62%. This level of consistency is almost unparalleled in the state sector.

The depth of achievement is even more striking when looking at the higher standards. Two-thirds (67%) of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to an England average of just 8%.

Key performance metrics include:

• Reading: 100% met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 116 (England average: 105).
• Mathematics: 100% met the expected standard, with 77% achieving a high score.
• GPS (Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling): 100% met the expected standard, with 92% hitting the high score mark.

Ranked 6th in England and 1st in Wigan for primary outcomes (FindMySchool proprietary ranking based on official data), Nicol Mere sits in the elite tier, comfortably within the top 2% of schools in England.

Teaching at Nicol Mere is characterised by its precision. The curriculum is meticulously planned to ensure that knowledge is built incrementally, allowing pupils to master complex concepts in mathematics and literacy from an early age. Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge, and lessons are structured to maximise time on task, ensuring that no minute of the school day is wasted.

The school places a heavy emphasis on literacy, with a robust phonics programme in Key Stage 1 that transitions into sophisticated literary analysis by Year 6. In mathematics, the mastery approach ensures that pupils do not simply learn how to solve problems, but understand the underlying logic. This foundation explains why nearly every pupil leaves the school exceeding national expectations.

Most pupils from Nicol Mere progress to local secondary schools such as Byrchall High School or St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School. Because the school is situated in a region with selective options, a significant number of families also target the grammar schools in nearby Trafford or Warrington.

The transition process is well-managed, with Year 6 teachers working closely with secondary colleagues to ensure that the high academic standards reached at Nicol Mere are maintained in Key Stage 3. The school’s reputation for excellence means that its leavers are often highly sought after by local secondary providers.

Securing a place at Nicol Mere is the primary hurdle for families. The school is significantly oversubscribed, with approximately 2.17 applications for every available place. For the September 2026 intake, the application window opened on 30 September 2025 and closed on 15 January 2026.

Admissions are coordinated by Wigan Council. As a community school, places are allocated based on standard criteria: looked-after children, siblings, and then distance from the school. Given the level of demand, parents are strongly advised to use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their proximity to the school gate. In 2025, the last distance offered was 0.849 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Despite the high academic ceiling, pastoral care remains a pillar of the school’s success. The school operates a no child left behind philosophy, which includes robust support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). Although the school does not have a dedicated specialist unit, the mainstream classrooms are highly inclusive, with teaching assistants deployed effectively to provide targeted interventions.

The school uses a positive reinforcement behaviour system that rewards effort and kindness as much as academic success. This ensures that the high-achieving environment feels supportive rather than stressful for the pupils.

The extracurricular life at Nicol Mere provides a necessary outlet for the pupils’ energy. The school offers a variety of clubs, ranging from competitive sports teams to creative arts. The choir and drama productions are highlights of the school calendar, often involving a large proportion of the student body.

STEM enrichment is a particular strength, with pupils often participating in regional coding competitions and science fairs. The school’s facilities, including its outdoor play areas and IT suites, are well-maintained and used extensively for after-school provision.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. Nicol Mere offers wraparound care to support working parents, including a Breakfast Club and an After School Club. These sessions are popular and often require advance booking. For travel, the school is accessible via Roman Road, though parking during drop-off and pick-up can be challenging due to the residential nature of the area; walking is encouraged for local families.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of the school uniform, optional school trips, and some extracurricular activities. Families eligible for Pupil Premium may receive assistance with these costs.

• Extreme Competition for Places: With over two applicants for every seat, many local families find themselves on the waiting list.
• Academic Intensity: The school has very high expectations. While this leads to exceptional results, it may feel fast-paced for children who require a more relaxed environment.
• Tight Catchment: In 2025, the last distance offered was 0.849 miles. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Nicol Mere School is an academic powerhouse that provides a private school level of education within the state sector. Its results are truly elite, placing it among the top 10 primary schools in the entire country. It is best suited to families who value academic rigour and want their children to reach the highest possible standards in literacy and numeracy. The main challenge is securing entry; for those who do, the educational trajectory is exceptional. Families should use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to monitor admissions updates for this highly competitive option.