St John Rigby RC Sixth Form College: Outstanding Catholic Education for Post-16 Students

England's first Catholic sixth form college opened its doors in 1972, just two years after John Rigby, the Lancashire martyr executed in 1600 for refusing to renounce his faith, was canonised by Pope Paul VI. Today, St John Rigby RC Sixth Form College occupies a 30-acre campus in Orrell, serving students aged 16 to 19 from across Wigan, West Lancashire, and parts of Merseyside. The January 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed what local families have long known: this is an Outstanding institution in every measured category, from quality of education to provision for learners with high needs. Over 40 A-level subjects and an extensive vocational curriculum provide pathways for students of all abilities and aspirations.

The college campus sits 3.5 miles west of Wigan town centre, close to the hamlet of Harrock where John Rigby was born. The physical setting matters here. Eight teaching blocks spread across landscaped grounds, with the largest all-weather football pitch in the country providing a centrepiece that Wigan Athletic have used for training. The modern Learning Resource Centre, opened in 2006, anchors academic support, while the college chapel offers a place of quiet reflection throughout the day.

Paula Nolan became Principal in September 2025, succeeding Peter McGhee CBE, who led the college for 15 years. Under McGhee's leadership, the college moved from Satisfactory in 2009 to Outstanding in 2017 and retained that judgement in 2024. Nolan, previously Vice Principal for Students, brings continuity alongside fresh perspectives, having spent time at Loreto College before returning to St John Rigby.

The Catholic identity runs deeper than symbols. Weekly Values for Living lessons explore topics from environmental ethics to forgiveness, from political engagement to global solidarity. The college maintains an active partnership with CAFOD and operates a Fairtrade store managed by the Chaplaincy team. Yet the welcome extends to students of all faiths and none. The Ofsted report noted that students embody a culture of kindness, mutual respect, and high expectations. Staff describe a community where teachers enjoy teaching and students enjoy learning.

St John Rigby ranks 1,659th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it below the England average. In 2024, 41.3% of grades achieved A*-B, compared to the England average of 47.2%. At the top end, 3.4% of entries achieved A* and 15.7% achieved A*-A, against an England average of 23.6% for A*-A combined.

Locally, the picture improves considerably. The college ranks 2nd among sixth form providers in the Wigan local authority area, and maintains an A-level pass rate above 99% year on year. For context, the college admits students across the full ability range; the A-level programme requires only two GCSEs at grade 6 or above plus four at grade 4 or above, including English Language. This inclusive approach inevitably affects headline grade distributions.

Progress measures tell a more complete story. The January 2024 Ofsted inspection found quality of education Outstanding, noting that students are highly motivated to achieve and that teachers have high ambitions for what every student can accomplish.

Beyond A-levels, St John Rigby offers one of the most comprehensive vocational programmes in Greater Manchester. BTEC Extended Diplomas, equivalent to three A-levels, cover Business Studies, Information and Communication Technology, Sport and Exercise Science, and Uniformed Protective Services. Single awards and Extended Certificates span Applied Law, Engineering, Games Development, Health and Social Care, Medical Science, and Mental Health and Wellbeing.

The college delivers five T-Level routes: Cyber Security, Education and Early Years, Health, Legal Services (Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Welfare), and Marketing. These two-year technical qualifications include substantial industry placements, preparing students directly for employment or degree-level apprenticeships.

For students not yet ready for Level 3 study, Transition Programmes combine BTEC Level 2 qualifications with GCSE resits in English and Maths, building the foundation for progression.

Class sizes remain manageable, with A-level groups typically smaller than in many large sixth form colleges. Teachers have expert subject knowledge; the Ofsted inspection confirmed an unwavering commitment to provide high-quality education across all programmes.

The curriculum extends well beyond examination requirements. Thirty-plus A-level subjects include sciences, humanities, languages, creative arts, and specialist options such as Criminology, Law, and Government and Politics. Further Maths and the Extended Project Qualification stretch academically gifted students. Core Maths provides practical numeracy for those not pursuing A-level Mathematics.

Specialist programmes shape the experience for high achievers. The Honours Academy, for students who achieved at least four grade 7s and four grade 6s at GCSE, offers Oxbridge and Russell Group preparation through small-group tutoring, university visits, and access to Cambridge HE+ and OxNET programmes. Career Academies, numbering seventeen in total, provide focused pathways into fields including medicine, law, engineering, and teaching.

In the 2023-24 cohort of 671 leavers, 55% progressed to university. Apprenticeships attracted 9%, while 25% moved directly into employment.

The Oxbridge record stands out for a non-selective state college. In the most recent reporting period, five students secured places at Oxford and Cambridge from fifteen applications. Four went to Oxford and one to Cambridge, representing a 33% offer rate. The college ranks 240th in England for combined Oxbridge acceptances (FindMySchool ranking), placing it ahead of numerous independent schools.

Recent university destinations include Cambridge (Law), Oxford (Biomedical Sciences), Durham (Mathematics), Edinburgh (History), and York (Psychology). The Honours Academy structure drives these outcomes, providing individual guidance, admissions test preparation, and academic reading groups that build the intellectual habits competitive universities seek.

Entry operates outside the secondary school coordinated admissions system. Students apply directly to the college through its online portal, typically during Year 11.

Entry requirements vary by programme level:

A-Level Programme

Two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, plus four at grade 4 or above. GCSE English Language must be included.

BTEC Level 3

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language.

T-Levels

Requirements align with Level 3 vocational standards.

Transition Programme

Four GCSEs at grade 3, including English Language and Maths.

Honours Academy/Elective Programme

At least four subjects at grade 7 and four at grade 6, required for the Future Medics Programme, Extended Project Qualification, HE+ participation, or fourth A-level subject.

Some subjects carry additional requirements; detailed guidance appears on the college website. Home-educated students are welcome to apply and will receive offers based on equivalent evidence of attainment.

The college draws primarily from Catholic secondary schools across Wigan and West Lancashire, though students of all backgrounds attend. Open events run in autumn, with 2025-26 dates including Saturday 4 October, Thursday 16 October, and Thursday 6 November 2025. Booking is required through the college website.

Each student is assigned a Progress Tutor who monitors academic performance and personal development. The tutorial system provides structured support, with regular one-to-one conversations tracking attendance, achievement, and wellbeing.

Learning Support services cater to students with additional needs. The campus includes accessible facilities throughout, with a fully fitted hygiene suite, hoists, and a dedicated nurture room offering quiet space away from busy social areas. The 2024 Ofsted inspection rated provision for learners with high needs as Outstanding.

Health and wellness support operates alongside academic guidance. A counselling service provides confidential support for students experiencing difficulties, while the Chaplaincy team offers pastoral care grounded in the college's Christian mission.

Behaviour is exemplary. The Ofsted report noted outstanding behaviour and attitudes, with students displaying mutual respect and embodying the college's values of faith, courage, integrity, commitment, freedom, and forgiveness.

SJRExtra encompasses the full range of enrichment activities available during college life. Competitive sports teams compete in college leagues across football (male and female), rugby league (male and female), netball, and basketball, with fixtures on Wednesday afternoons. The all-weather pitch and extensive playing fields support both elite competition and recreational participation.

Non-competitive activities include yoga, badminton, cheerleading, fencing, and rock climbing. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme operates at all levels. Drama productions utilise college facilities, while music ensembles provide performance opportunities.

All students take on extended studies, choosing options ranging from school production involvement to driving theory and first aid qualifications. These build skills and experiences beyond the examination curriculum.

The Student Council gives students voice in college governance, organising events and putting forward suggestions for improvement. Charitable fundraising features throughout the year, connecting to the college's commitment to service and its CAFOD partnership.

The college day typically runs from morning until late afternoon, though precise hours vary by timetable. Wednesday afternoons are reserved for sports fixtures and enrichment activities.

The campus sits on Gathurst Road in Orrell, accessible by bus from Wigan town centre and surrounding areas. Parking is available on site. The nearest railway station is Orrell, approximately one mile away.

Starbucks coffee and hot food are available on campus. The Learning Resource Centre provides study space and IT facilities throughout the college day.

A-level results sit below England average. While the college achieves Outstanding in every Ofsted category, headline A-level grades (41.3% at A*-B) fall below the England average of 47.2%. Students with the strongest GCSE profiles may achieve higher grades elsewhere; parents comparing league table positions should understand the college's inclusive admissions policy admits students across the ability range.

Catholic ethos is genuine. Weekly Values for Living lessons, chapel services, and the college's foundational mission all reflect active Catholic identity. Students of all faiths attend and thrive, but families uncomfortable with explicit religious teaching and Christian observance should understand this forms part of daily life.

Travel distance for some students. The college draws from a wide catchment across Wigan, West Lancashire, and parts of Merseyside. For students at the edges of this area, journey times may be significant. Consider transport options carefully.

Transition period for leadership. Paula Nolan took the helm in September 2025 following Peter McGhee's fifteen-year tenure. Internal appointment ensures continuity, but families should expect some adjustments as the new leadership team settles.

St John Rigby offers something increasingly rare: Outstanding sixth form education within a state-funded Catholic college, serving students of all abilities with genuine pathways to university, apprenticeships, and employment. The five Oxbridge places from a non-selective intake demonstrate what focused support can achieve. Facilities are strong, pastoral care is exceptional, and the Values for Living programme develops character alongside qualifications. Best suited to families who value Catholic ethos (or are comfortable with it), seek a collegiate rather than school-based sixth form experience, and want their child to grow within a supportive community that balances ambition with kindness. The main consideration is whether the A-level grade profile matches individual aspirations; high-achieving students targeting elite universities should assess whether the Honours Academy pathway meets their needs.