Cansfield High School
102%
Capacity
1,036
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Cansfield High School
Cansfield High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Wigan community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,036 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,012 places).
Ofsted has rated Cansfield High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nicola Daniels, it falls under Wigan local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.55 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.5. Additionally, ranked 2675th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 15th out of 19 in Wigan.
Cansfield High School is a popular choice with families — it received 382 applications for 143 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 122 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cansfield High School include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Gymnastics, Tennis, Swimming and 2 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Book Club, Debate, Choir and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wigan, Cansfield 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Old Road, Wigan, Wigan, WN4 9TP |
| Headteacher | Nicola Daniels |
| Local Authority | Wigan |
| Number of Pupils | 1,036 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,036 / 1,012 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 17 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.55)
2675th of 3,141
Nationally
347th of 445
In North West
15th of 19
In Wigan
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
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
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed143
382
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
122 families put this school as their 1st choice (32% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cansfield 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
Old Road, Wigan
Wigan, WN4 9TP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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