The Byrchall High School Review 2026: A Community Pillar Reborn

In a significant transformation for Ashton-in-Makerfield, The Byrchall High School has transitioned from its outdated 1960s facilities into a state-of-the-art eco-school. As one of the early beneficiaries of the Department for Education School Rebuilding Programme, the school now operates from a purpose-built, sustainable campus that includes an outdoor cinema space, a pizza oven, and high-specification laboratories.

Academic performance sits within the national typical band, meaning results are in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). The school serves approximately 1,175 students and has seen a surge in popularity following the completion of its new building, which stands as a beacon of modern education in the Wigan local authority.

The atmosphere at Byrchall blends deep historical roots with a fresh, forward-looking energy. Originally founded as Ashton-in-Makerfield Grammar School in 1588, the institution carries a weight of tradition that is now housed in one of the most environmentally friendly school buildings in the North West.

Mr Philippe Paul, who took the helm as Headteacher in September 2025 following the retirement of long-standing head Alan Birchall, has focused on a culture of academic and personal growth. The school motto, Res Non Verba (Deeds Not Words), remains the guiding principle. Students appear genuinely proud of their new surroundings, and the transition from the old site has brought a palpable lift to student morale and staff ambition.

The Byrchall High School achieved an Attainment 8 score of 43.4 in the most recent measurement period. This reflects a solid academic foundation across a broad range of subjects.

FindMySchool proprietary rankings place the school 2730th in England for GCSE outcomes. Locally, it ranks 8th among secondary schools in Wigan. While the Progress 8 score of -0.39 indicates that students make slightly less progress than the England average from their starting points, the school has utilized the move to the new campus to implement a more rigorous curriculum delivery model.

The curriculum is designed to be aspirational, with a strong focus on core academic subjects. From Year 9, students begin a guided options process that ensures a balance of humanities and creative choices.

Teaching is delivered by a dedicated staff body where subject knowledge is a noted strength. The new facilities have allowed for a more integrated approach to technology in the classroom, with digital workshops and a science and technology "learning environment" that facilitates hands-on experimentation. In the expressive arts, students benefit from a dedicated dance studio and theatre-grade performance spaces.

The extracurricular programme is extensive, utilizing the new multi-use sports hall and outdoor pitches. Byrchall has a long-standing reputation for its Sports Leaders programme, which remains a key pillar of student leadership.

STEM: Innovation at Scale

The school's commitment to STEM is evident in its specialized facilities. The new eco-building acts as a living laboratory for students to study sustainability and green energy. The Robotics Club continues to be a highlight, frequently participating in regional competitions. Science Week is a major annual event, often involving collaborations with local industry partners to showcase real-world applications of the curriculum.

Pastoral care is a visible priority, with a structure designed to ensure every student is known individually. The school maintains an Education Base for students with higher needs, supported by a dedicated SEND team.

A 2025 Ofsted Parent View survey revealed high levels of satisfaction, with 100% of responding parents stating they would recommend the school. According to the most recent official monitoring, pupils behave well and classrooms remain calm and purposeful. The "Ready, Respectful, Safe" code is embedded throughout the daily life of the school.

Byrchall is significantly oversubscribed. In the latest intake, the school received 639 applications for 251 offers, a subscription proportion of 2.55. This makes it one of the more competitive schools in the Wigan local authority.

The application deadline for September 2026 entry was 31 October 2025, with National Allocation Day on 02 March 2026. Parents researching for future years should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their distance from the Warrington Road site, as proximity remains a decisive factor in the allocation of places.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded academy with no tuition fees. Associated costs such as uniforms, optional music lessons, and school trips are kept as accessible as possible. For families requiring support with these costs, the school provides information on available grants and the Pupil Premium fund.

Where Students Go Next

Student destinations are a point of pride, with 98% of leavers staying in education or employment. The school has a particularly strong pipeline to local sixth form colleges: 50% of students progress to prestigious institutions like Winstanley College or St John Rigby College. Another 36% move into further education providers or apprenticeships, reflecting the school's successful careers guidance programme.

The school day begins at 8:45am and ends at 3:10pm. Wraparound care details are not published; families are advised to contact the school directly for information on breakfast or after-school clubs. The site is easily accessible via local bus routes, though Warrington Road can be busy during peak drop-off and pick-up times.

• High Demand for Places: With more than two applications for every available seat, securing a place requires careful planning and proximity to the school.
• Curriculum Refinement: While attainment is typical for England, the school is currently refining its delivery in a small number of subjects to bring progress scores in line with its high-achieving local peers.
• New Site Adaptation: The school is still settling into its new eco-campus. While facilities are world-class, the shift from a traditional layout to a modern, phased site may take some getting used to for students who prefer a more conventional setting.

The Byrchall High School is a historic institution that has been successfully reimagined for the 21st century. It offers a rare combination: a "Good" Ofsted-rated education within one of the newest and most sustainable school buildings in the country. Best suited to students who will thrive in a high-tech, environmentally conscious environment and who aim for top-tier local sixth form colleges. Families should use the Saved Schools feature to track this school, given its increasing competitiveness.