St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School Review 2026: Excellence in the Heart of Wigan

In the light of Jesus, we learn to shine. St Mary and St John Catholic Primary School, located on Standishgate in Wigan's town centre, has held this motto close for generations, embodying a commitment to Catholic education that extends far beyond academic achievement. The school serves approximately 210 pupils across ages 4 to 11 as a single-form entry institution, meaning one class per year group. The latest Ofsted inspection in March 2023 awarded Outstanding across all measured areas: overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. With 90% of Key Stage 2 pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics, the school sits in the elite tier nationally (top 5% in England) according to FindMySchool rankings, positioning it 800th among England's 15,158 primary schools. Locally, the school ranks 7th among Wigan's 50 primaries, reflecting sustained high performance in a competitive local landscape.

A friendly and caring school community forms the foundation of St Mary and St John. Pupils demonstrate powerful sense of belonging here, with excellent attitudes to learning evident throughout daily activities. The atmosphere is one of purposeful engagement; pupils love being at school and feel included and valued by staff and peers alike. Ofsted inspectors noted that children develop exceptional relationships with staff and with each other, underpinned by a culture of vigilance around safeguarding and swift, decisive responses to any behaviour concerns.

The Catholic character is genuinely woven through school life. The two Catholic parishes served by the school — St. Mary's and St. John's (now called St William's Parish)—form part of the Archdiocese of Liverpool. Daily worship, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching are integrated into the curriculum, reflecting the school's mission to help pupils develop spiritual, ethical, moral and theological understanding appropriate to their age and ability. The school environment has been thoughtfully designed to support this ethos; Reception pupils confidently read phonics sounds displayed throughout well-designed classroom spaces, whilst key stage singing sessions take place weekly, often opening with a range of musical styles that contextualise the study of music history through the lens of composers and historical periods.

Under the leadership of Mrs Louise Vose (Headteacher since 2013), the school has established itself as a centre of academic rigour paired with genuine care for the whole child. Leadership has been significantly refreshed since the previous 2007 inspection, with an entirely new governing body appointed since that time. The governing body, currently chaired by Angela Whitney, operates with meaningful oversight, offering purposeful challenge to leaders whilst ensuring staff wellbeing and workload management remain priorities.

Reading, Writing and Mathematics Combined

In 2024, 90% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, substantially exceeding the England average of 62%. This 28%age point gap demonstrates consistent, sustained strength. Scaled scores further illustrate the depth of achievement: Reading averaged 110 (England average 100), Mathematics 107 (England average 101), and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling 111 (England average 101). The school's strength in phonics is particularly notable; 97% of pupils met expected standards in reading, whilst 97% also achieved expected standards in grammar, punctuation and spelling. At the higher standard, 37% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%.

Progress and Value-Added

Progress trajectories are strong. Individual pupils consistently make solid progress from their starting points. The school's priority on identifying learning gaps early — through regular, detailed teacher checks — means support is delivered swiftly and effectively, enabling pupils to keep pace with peers.

National Rankings

The school ranks 800th in England for primary outcomes, placing it in the elite tier, the top 5% of schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, within Wigan's 50 primary schools, St Mary and St John ranks 7th, reflecting performance that stands well above local averages. These rankings are based on official Key Stage 2 data and place the school comfortably within the top tier of high-performing primaries regionally.

Ambitious Curriculum Design

Teachers have designed an ambitious curriculum that enables pupils to build knowledge over time exceptionally well. Leaders have defined the key knowledge they want pupils to gain in all subjects, so teachers are absolutely clear about what they want pupils to learn in both the short and long term. The curriculum emphasises Catholic social morality alongside PSHE, French, Spanish, and a range of other subjects. Teaching is organised thematically with some cross-curricular projects, allowing children to see connections between their learning.

Instructional Quality and Feedback

Teaching is characterised by clear instructions, purposeful explanations, and regular checks on learning. Teachers make excellent use of formative assessment information to identify learning gaps and address them quickly. As a result, pupils progress through the curriculum smoothly and successfully. Most lessons are taught by class teachers with some peripatetic and specialist teaching; art and music are discrete taught subjects available to all pupils.

Early Reading and Phonics

Reading has the highest priority throughout the school. All staff have received comprehensive training in the school's phonics programme, ensuring they are highly effective in its delivery. In Reception, children get off to a swift start in learning to read, confidently reading the sounds displayed throughout the environment. In key stage 1, teachers continually check what pupils have remembered, providing highly effective support for those who need more help remembering phonics work. This targeted intervention helps pupils catch up quickly. Pupils become increasingly accomplished readers as they progress.

Support for Pupils with SEND

Leaders identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities at an early stage. They place strong emphasis on ensuring these pupils are included and access the same curriculum as other pupils. The highly effective support these pupils receive enables many of them to achieve as well as their peers. This inclusive approach is reflected in the school's Inclusion Quality Mark, awarded in recognition of this commitment.

St Mary and St John is a primary school serving pupils ages 4-11. As a feeder school to Wigan's secondary landscape, most pupils transition to their local secondary school or to Wigan's selective grammar schools — Reading School and Kendrick School — if they pass the 11-plus examination. The school does not offer intensive formal grammar school preparation, though it does provide familiarisation with 11-plus style questions. Approximately 15 pupils per year group secure grammar school places, reflecting the school's strong academic foundation and the diversity of families' aspirations within the cohort.

The school maintains regular communication with receiving secondary schools and coordinates transition activities to ensure smooth progression. Pupils leave primary school with strong foundations in phonics-based reading, deep subject knowledge across the curriculum, and well-established learning behaviours.

The breadth of opportunity available to pupils is exceptional. Beyond the formal curriculum, St Mary and St John provides a wide range of clubs, musical tuition, sports provision, and enrichment experiences designed to develop pupils' talents and interests.

Music: Instrumental Learning and Performance

Music plays a central role in school life. The school works with Wigan Music Service to deliver peripatetic instrumental tuition across multiple instruments: piano, guitar, drums, woodwind instruments, strings, and voice. Year 4 pupils have the opportunity to learn brass instruments as part of the Wider Opportunities programme; they are taught by specialists from Wigan Music Service and perform as a brass ensemble for an audience once per term, building musical confidence and ensemble skills. A Recorder Club has been established for key stage 2 pupils, providing focused tuition outside timetabled music lessons.

In addition to individual instrumental learning, the school has established a strong choral tradition. Half-hourly key stage singing sessions take place weekly, with pupils entering the hall to a carefully curated range of musical styles spanning different historical periods and genres. Hymn singing forms the main focus of these sessions, though topical songs and pieces with cross-curricular links are also included. Pupils regularly sing at various Masses throughout the year, connecting their musical development directly to the school's Catholic life. Teachers intentionally communicate interesting facts about music and composers, deepening pupils' appreciation of music history and context.

Musical learning is further supported by a detailed assessment approach. The school has devised a subject-specific assessment tracker aligned with Wigan Music Service progression of skills, updated termly by the music specialist and shared with senior leadership. Action plans are reviewed termly and shared annually with governors. Video recording of pupil performances during lessons enables self-appraisal and supports teacher assessment, whilst photographic evidence and visual documentation of practical learning further enrich the picture of progress.

Sports and Physical Education

The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports over the course of the year, delivered through both physical education lessons and extracurricular provision. Representative teams compete in major sports from year 3 onwards, providing competitive experience and the opportunity to represent the school at district level. The range of provision ensures that all pupils have access to physical activity, whilst those with particular aptitude or interest are supported to develop talent. Sports taught include football, netball, rugby, athletics, and others; exact offerings vary termly.

Academic and Creative Clubs

Named clubs documented in school provision include an Engineering Club, reflecting the school's commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) development. This club provides hands-on, creative problem-solving opportunities. A Gardening Club offers pupils the chance to develop horticultural knowledge and environmental understanding, connecting learning to outdoor spaces and seasonal cycles. These clubs exemplify the school's intention to provide "very wide range of opportunities to develop their talents and interests," as Ofsted inspectors noted.

Educational Visits and Enrichment

There are regular educational trips for all year groups. An annual Year 6 residential trip provides a significant learning experience, immersing pupils in an off-campus environment where they develop independence, resilience, and team work. Visiting speakers and theatre workshops enrich the curriculum, bringing external expertise and cultural experience into the school. These enrichment opportunities are woven throughout the year, ensuring pupils encounter diverse learning modes and perspectives.

Clubs and Activities Framework

The school structures its club provision thoughtfully. Clubs are typically offered across the school week, allowing pupils to select activities that align with their interests. The school emphasises that while the full range of extracurricular opportunity is available, pupils are encouraged to engage meaningfully rather than spread themselves too thinly. This approach supports depth of engagement and genuine skill development rather than mere attendance at multiple activities.

St Mary and St John is a Catholic voluntary aided school serving two Catholic parishes within the Archdiocese of Liverpool. Admissions are coordinated through Wigan Local Authority, with the school using a supplementary form that is a key part of the application process. Families must complete both the local authority's online application form and the school's supplementary form, submitting the latter directly to the school office.

The school is significantly oversubscribed. In recent admissions cycles, applications for Reception places have consistently exceeded offers. In the latest data, 98 applications were received for 30 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.27:1 (approximately 3.3 applications per place). This level of demand reflects the school's outstanding reputation and its strong local position. After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, the admissions criteria include:

1. Catholic children with a Certificate of Catholic Practice
2. Children of staff
3. Siblings of pupils already at the school
4. Other Catholic children
5. Children of other Christian denominations
6. Children of other faiths
7. Any other children

The school recommends that prospective parents contact the office to arrange a visit, allowing them to see the school in action and speak with staff. School prospectus and admissions information are available via the school website at www.saintmaryandjohn.wigan.sch.uk.

School hours run from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Before and after-school care is available through external provision; families should contact Heron Day Nursery Out-of-School Club, which offers before and after-school care specifically for St Mary and St John pupils, as well as holiday club provision during school holidays.

The school is located in Wigan town centre on Standishgate, close to local shops and services. Parking is available on street. The nearest bus routes serve the town centre, and walking routes from residential areas are readily accessible. Public transport links to surrounding areas are good, making the school accessible by car and public transport.

The school uniform is required; details are available via the school website. Free school meals are available for eligible families; the school administers government free meal entitlements and has worked to increase uptake and remove stigma. All pupils have access to hot, nutritious meals prepared on site.

The school's commitment to pastoral care is evident throughout. Staff know pupils and their families well, enabling them to spot any signs a pupil might be at risk of harm and to respond supportively. There is a strong, well-established culture of vigilance in safeguarding; all staff receive comprehensive training which is continually updated. Leaders share information with relevant agencies to ensure pupils who are at risk are protected and supported.

Pupils are supported in understanding how to keep themselves safe in a range of situations, including when using social media or when online. The curriculum includes explicit teaching around e-safety and digital citizenship, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to navigate digital environments responsibly.

Emotional wellbeing is also prioritised. The school provides a warm, caring environment where pupils develop self-respect, integrity and a sense of individual worth. Pupils are encouraged to cooperate with others and show consideration and tolerance. Behaviour is exemplary; pupils are eager to please and meet the exacting standards set by staff. When misbehaviour occurs, staff deal with it swiftly and decisively. Many pupils take on active roles in supporting the school community, such as acting as play leaders for younger pupils, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

Significant oversubscription: With approximately 3.3 applications per place in recent cycles, securing admission is highly competitive. Priority is given to Catholic families and families of staff. Non-Catholic families should be aware that they fall lower on the admissions criteria. It is worth verifying current admissions data with the local authority before making this school a priority choice.

Catholic character expectations: This is a genuine Catholic school, not simply a school with Catholic heritage. Daily prayer, regular Mass attendance, religious education, and explicit spiritual teaching are integral to school life. Families uncomfortable with explicit Catholic practice should give careful consideration to whether the school is right for them.

Single form entry: With only one class per year group (approximately 30 pupils per year), the social peer group remains consistent throughout primary years. Whilst this can foster strong relationships and a close community, it also means that if a child experiences a difficult relationship dynamic in their year group, there is limited opportunity to find peers outside the immediate class. Families should consider whether their child thrives in smaller or larger cohort settings.

Age of school buildings: The school occupies a town centre location with established buildings. There is no published information about recent major capital investment or modernisation. Families should visit to form their own view of the physical environment and facilities.

St Mary and St John represents first-class Catholic primary education within a genuinely caring, tight-knit community. The school combines strong academic outcomes — 90% reaching expected standards, with exceptional performance in phonics and breadth of curriculum knowledge — with an ethos where pupils feel deeply known, safe and included. Inspectors found all areas outstanding, and this judgment has proven resilient: pupils' behaviour remains exemplary, their attitudes to learning remain excellent, and the personal development opportunities remain exceptional.

The school suits families within or committed to the two Catholic parishes, who want their children to experience education rooted explicitly in faith and Gospel values alongside rigorous academic teaching. It is particularly well suited to families who value music, want their children to benefit from instrumental tuition and strong ensemble experience, and appreciate a close-knit, small-cohort primary environment. Families seeking access to the school should be aware that significant oversubscription means admission is competitive; Catholic families with a Certificate of Catholic Practice have the strongest position. For non-Catholic families, the school may still be considered, but placement cannot be guaranteed.