Classpot

Atherton High School

Wigan, M46 0AYSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jan 2024
Progress 8
0.00
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
119 1st-choice / 108 places
Ranking
#1,519
of 3,141 nationally

About Atherton High School

Atherton High School is a mixed 11-16 secondary in Wigan that is running very close to full capacity, with 547 pupils on roll against a school capacity of 550. The school serves a community with significant economic disadvantage: 45.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national average. Demand for places is strong — for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 296 total applications for 108 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.74. Of those, 119 were first-preference applications, and 87 first-preference offers were made. This level of competition suggests the school is a popular choice locally, and its intake reflects a genuine cross-section of the area, with a high proportion of pupils from lower-income households.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressHamilton Street, Atherton, Wigan, M46 0AY
HeadteacherLeanne Turner
Local AuthorityWigan
Number of Pupils547
Free School Meals (FSM)45.9%
School Capacity547 / 550 (99% full)

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

24 Jan 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Source: Ofsted, 14 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
ICT SuiteSwimming PoolAstro TurfPlaying FieldsSports HallGymnasiumLibraryArt StudiosTennis CourtsTheatreScience Labs

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

GymnasticsFootballRoundersAthleticsRugbyBasketballCricketDanceSwimming

Clubs & Activities

DebateScience ClubEco ClubNewspaperArt ClubBook ClubChessModel United Nations

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Atherton High School

Atherton High School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.