St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding

Queensway, Higher Folds, Leigh, WN7 2XGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School is a primary school in Leigh for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 136 schools in Wigan. It ranks 2nd of 16 primary schools in Leigh. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in September 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 24 September 2024, report published 10 November 2024

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 24 September 2024

Pupils are happy attending this vibrant and caring school where everyone is welcomed and respected. Pupils rise to the school's high expectations, which is reflected in their work and behaviour. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils achieve very well. Children in the early years have fun while developing routines and positive attitudes to learning. This continues as they move up through the school. Pupils show kindness towards each other and have good manners. Pupils make the most of the school's extensive range of visits, including to museums, galleries and places of worship. These are often linked to the curriculum and deepen their understanding of art, culture and the wider world. Pupils understand and celebrate difference, including in race and religion. As school councillors, eco-councillors, subject ambassadors and prefects, they play an active role in helping to improve their school. They have an increasing understanding of their responsibilities as members of their local community and citizens of the world. They work hard to help local and global charities. As they move through the school, pupils discuss with increasing confidence and maturity issues such as consent and healthy relationships.

What the school should improve

  • In some subjects, for a minority of pupils, staff do not match activities well to learning needs. As a result, at times, these pupils cannot attempt tasks without help from an adult. When this happens, too much learning time is wasted as they wait for support. The school should ensure a more consistent match between tasks and learning needs, so that all pupils reach their full academic potential across the curriculum.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

47 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths72%

72%, 10 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths17%

17%, 9 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score108

108, 2 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score108

108, 3 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score108

108, 3 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

375 pupils on roll, with places for 315

Eligible for free school meals51.5%

51.5%, 25 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language22.1%

22.1%, 0.5 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.4%

14.4%, 0.4 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.5%

4.5%, 1.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Sacred Heart RC Primary School0.7 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standard61% met the expected standard
Hindsford CofE Primary School0.7 milesOfsted judgements: Outstanding77% met the expected standard
Parklee Primary School1 mileOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingNot published
Tyldesley Primary School1 mileOfsted: Good81% met the expected standard
St Thomas' CofE Primary School, Leigh1 mileOfsted judgements: Good48% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Voluntary aided school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Cathie Williams
Address
Queensway, Higher Folds, Leigh, WN7 2XG
Local authority
Wigan
URN
106506

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.