Best 3 Secondary schools in Wigan – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Golborne High School (Secondary) in Warrington; Cansfield High School (Secondary) in Wigan; Atherton High School (Secondary) in Atherton — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Golborne High School, Cansfield High School and Atherton High School. They are secondary phase and foundation school, community school and free schools type located around Warrington, Cheshire, Wigan, Lancashire and Atherton, Greater Manchester. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Golborne High School), published Mar 2023. The lowest is 2 (Cansfield High School), published Jul 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Cansfield High School (Jul 2024). average roll around ≈ 900, combined total ≈ 2,750, typical FSM 30–35%, range 20–25%–45–50%; all within the Education Partnership Trust trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Golborne High School WA3 3EL	Cansfield High School WN4 9TP	Atherton High School M46 0AY
Phase / Type	Secondary • Foundation school	Secondary • Community school	Secondary • Free schools
Location	Warrington Cheshire WA3 3EL	Wigan Lancashire WN4 9TP	Atherton Greater Manchester M46 0AY
Latest Ofsted	1 8 Mar 2023	2 17 Jul 2024	2 14 May 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,050 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 550 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	45–50% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1075	1012	450
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Non-selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	Wigan (359)	Wigan (359)	Education Partnership Trust
Website	www.golbornehigh.wigan.sch.uk	www.cansfield.wigan.sch.uk	www.athertonhigh.com
Telephone	01942726842	01942727391	01942885500
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Golborne High School

WA3 3EL

Phase / Type: Secondary • Foundation school
Location: Warrington
Cheshire
WA3 3EL
Ofsted: 1 8 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Wigan (359)
Website: www.golbornehigh.wigan.sch.uk
Telephone: 01942726842

Cansfield High School

WN4 9TP

Phase / Type: Secondary • Community school
Location: Wigan
Lancashire
WN4 9TP
Ofsted: 2 17 Jul 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,050 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Wigan (359)
Website: www.cansfield.wigan.sch.uk
Telephone: 01942727391

Atherton High School

M46 0AY

Phase / Type: Secondary • Free schools
Location: Atherton
Greater Manchester
M46 0AY
Ofsted: 2 14 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 550 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 45–50% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Education Partnership Trust
Website: www.athertonhigh.com
Telephone: 01942885500

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.