Atherton High School
99%
Capacity
547
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Atherton High School
Atherton High School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Wigan community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 547 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 550 places).
Ofsted has rated Atherton High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Leanne Turner, it falls under Wigan local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of 0.00 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.7. Additionally, ranked 1519th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 19 in Wigan.
Atherton High School is a popular choice with families — it received 296 applications for 108 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 119 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Atherton High School include ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Library, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Science Labs.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Football, Rounders, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Science Club, Eco Club, Newspaper and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 45.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wigan, Atherton High School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Hamilton Street, Atherton, Wigan, M46 0AY |
| Headteacher | Leanne Turner |
| Local Authority | Wigan |
| Number of Pupils | 547 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 45.9% |
| School Capacity | 547 / 550 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Jan 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 14 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.00)
1519th of 3,141
Nationally
160th of 445
In North West
2nd of 19
In Wigan
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed108
296
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
119 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Atherton High School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Hamilton Street, Atherton
Wigan, M46 0AY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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