Orrell Holgate Academy Review 2026: Academic Excellence in a Close-Knit Community

Orrell Holgate Academy is a small, high-performing primary school located in the village of Orrell, just west of Wigan. With a capacity of 210 pupils, it remains a single-form entry school where a strong sense of community is the defining characteristic. The school's 2024 academic data tells a story of significant achievement, with results placing it among the top 10% of primary schools in England.

The academy converted in 2017 and is part of The Rowan Learning Trust. Under the leadership of Executive Headteacher Mrs Gail Worrall, who has been at the helm since November 2015, the school has maintained a consistent trajectory of improvement. The school serves a diverse local population and is known for its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that balances high academic expectations with a warm, supportive environment.

The atmosphere at Orrell Holgate Academy is one of calm productivity. Because of its single-form entry structure, the school functions as a tight-knit family where older pupils often look out for younger ones. The physical environment on Moor Road is well-maintained and provides a secure, purposeful backdrop for learning.

The school operates under a leadership structure that includes Mr James Lomax as Head of School. The latest Ofsted inspection, conducted in January 2025, noted that the school's work may have improved significantly across all areas since its previous inspection. Inspectors found that the school has the highest aspirations for pupils' achievement and that the opportunities to develop pupils' character are exceptional. The school's six values, including resourcefulness and reflection, are woven through the curriculum and the approach to positive behaviour.

The academic outcomes at Orrell Holgate Academy are exceptional. In 2024, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%.

Furthermore, the depth of learning is evident in the higher standard figures. At the higher standard, 42% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. These results place the school 8th among 95 primaries in Wigan and 895th in England (FindMySchool rankings). This performance sits well above the England average, placing it comfortably within the top 10% of schools in England for primary outcomes.

Reading is a particular strength; 100% of the 2024 cohort reached the expected standard with an average scaled score of 110. Mathematics and Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS) scores also exceed England benchmarks, reflecting a curriculum that is both broad and academically rigorous.

The curriculum at Holgate is designed to be ambitious and engaging. Teachers utilize a variety of strategies to ensure that lessons are accessible to all while providing sufficient challenge for high-ability pupils. The school places a high priority on literacy and numeracy, but not at the expense of other subjects.

The January 2025 Ofsted report highlighted that the subject curriculums set out clearly what should be taught and when. Science is taught with a focus on inquiry and hands-on investigation; 90% of pupils met the expected standard in 2024, well above the England average of 82%. History and Geography are often linked through thematic units, allowing pupils to make connections across different areas of knowledge. The school also makes effective use of digital technology to enhance learning, ensuring pupils are well-prepared for the transition to secondary education.

Extracurricular life is vibrant for a school of this size. The academy offers a range of clubs that cater to various interests, including Drama, Gardening, Knitting, and a Homework Club. Sport is also a significant pillar, with after-school clubs in Netball, Hockey, and Football.

Specialist facilities, though modest, are used to their full potential. The school field and hall host regular physical education sessions and after-school sports. The school also organizes regular educational visits, including a residential trip for older pupils, which focuses on team building and outdoor pursuits. These experiences are designed to build confidence and resilience outside the traditional classroom setting.

Pastoral care is a clear strength of the school. Because every teacher knows every child, support is often immediate and highly personalized. Each class has dedicated teaching assistant support, and the Executive Headteacher, Mrs Worrall, also serves as the SENDCo, ensuring that any barriers to learning are identified and addressed early.

The school promotes a culture of kindness and respect. Senior leaders, including Assistant Headteacher Mrs Kelsey Condliff, focus on attendance and pastoral support. Mental health and wellbeing are integrated into the curriculum, and the school rewards positive behaviour through "Holgate heroes" badges, which are highly coveted by the pupils.

Orrell Holgate Academy is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its strong reputation in the Wigan area. In the measured admissions cycle, the school received 73 applications for just 20 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.65. This means there were nearly four applications for every available seat.

Admissions are coordinated by Wigan Council. For September 2026 entry, the application deadline is 15 January 2026. The school hosts open events where families can visit on most Wednesdays or Thursdays in September, October, or November. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered.

The school day begins at 8:50am and concludes at 3:20pm. For families requiring extended care, the school utilizes the services of Holly Tree Children's Nursery, which provides a walking bus service for before and after-school care. Breakfast club starts at 7:30am and after-school care is available until 6:00pm.

The school is easily accessible via Moor Road, with several local bus routes serving the Orrell area. Parking near the school gates can be busy during drop-off and pick-up times, so the school encourages walking or "park and stride" for local families.

• Fierce competition for places: With a subscription proportion of 3.65, the school is significantly oversubscribed. Securing entry is where the difficulty lies, and proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Single-form entry: While the small size fosters a family atmosphere, year groups are small. Children will likely remain with the same peer group for seven years.
• No on-site nursery: The school starts at Reception (age 4). Families requiring earlier childcare will need to look at local private providers in the Orrell area.

Orrell Holgate Academy is an outstanding choice for families seeking a small school with big academic ambitions. Its recent academic results are among the best in England, yet it has managed to maintain the feel of a friendly, village primary. It is best suited to families who value a structured, high-achieving environment where their child will be known as an individual. The main hurdle is admission; once secured, the education is exceptional.