Dean Trust Wigan

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 23 June 2026

In recent years, the lived experiences of pupils at Dean Trust Wigan have changed beyond recognition. Dean Trust Wigan is a school where pupils feel safe, happy and like they genuinely belong. Leaders’ improvements to the culture in this school are palpable. Pupils appreciate the transformation in behaviour and the quality of teaching at the school. Pupils champion diversity. They are taught to actively celebrate other cultures. Pupils said that this has really opened their eyes to valuing the differences between people. As such, bullying and discriminatory behaviour are rare and dealt with swiftly should they occur. The school’s motto of ‘Be kind, try hard’ permeates school life. Around the school, pupils behave well. They are polite, articulate and keen to showcase their school. Pupils show high levels of respect for themselves, their peers and for staff. Across all aspects of the school, staff foster an unquestionable sense of belief in pupils. Leaders’ raised expectations of what all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, can achieve are starting to bear fruit. Pupils are learning much better than they have in the past. They are increasingly benefiting from well-taught lessons and leaders’ drive to address any gaps that they have in their knowledge. As a result, many pupils read well and increasing numbers of pupils are progressing onto positive, post-16 destinations. However, pupils’ achievement at the end of key stage 4 remains inconsistent. Pupils cherish the caring relationships that staff forge with them. In lessons, pupils respond well to teachers’ support. Staff know pupils well and use this knowledge to support them and remove any barriers to learning. Pupils know that staff want them to succeed and that they have to attend school regularly to learn well. Pupils are proud of the recognition that they receive for their achievements. For example, they value receiving a headteacher’s award or being acknowledged on the ‘work of the week’ wall. The range of extra-curricular opportunities on offer for pupils is noteworthy. Leaders have deliberately increased pupils' leadership opportunities to ensure that each and every pupil has a voice in school.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that all pupils secure the foundational knowledge that they need to achieve well across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that in lessons, teachers check and address any gaps in pupils' understanding.
• Leaders should ensure that teaching staff have the training that they need to be able to precisely match adaptations to pupils’ barriers to learning.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)