Dean Trust Wigan, a secondary school rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted in 2020, now meets the 'expected standard' in five out of six inspection areas, with inspectors saying pupils' experiences have 'changed beyond recognition'.
The school, in Orrell, was previously criticised for 'disorderly' and 'disruptive' behaviour and the frequent use of 'discriminatory language' which pupils had 'worryingly' accepted as 'the norm'. A further inspection in 2023 found some positive changes had been made, moving the school from 'inadequate' to 'requires improvement'.
Report praises 'palpable' improvements
Ofsted has since replaced single-word ratings with a report card system and a new five-point grading scale. The most recent report, published in September, said: "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."
The report added that pupils 'champion diversity' and 'are taught to actively celebrate other cultures'. It said: "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."
Achievement area 'needs attention'
Inspectors found that 'across all aspects of the school, staff foster an unquestionable sense of belief in pupils' and that 'pupils cherish the caring relationships that staff forge with them'. The report said: "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."
The 'achievement' area was graded as 'needs attention', with the quality of pupils' written work described as 'variable'. While some pupils' handwriting and number work is improving, 'this is not consistent'. Leaders' actions are having a 'positive impact', the report added, with most pupils 'prepared for their next stage in education, employment or training' and the number of pupils accessing aspirational post-16 courses doubling in recent years.
Headteacher and CEO respond
At the time of the inspection in June, there were 770 pupils on roll at the school, where the capacity is 1,025. The range of extra-curricular opportunities was described as 'noteworthy', with leaders having 'deliberately increased pupils' leadership opportunities to ensure that each and every pupil has a voice in school'.
Jen Evans, headteacher at Dean Trust Wigan, said: "We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the transformation at Dean Trust Wigan. To hear inspectors say that pupils’ lived experiences have ‘changed beyond recognition’ is a very special moment for our whole community." She added: "We have worked tirelessly to create a school where all pupils believe in themselves, enabling them to achieve well and succeed on their journey through life. I am proud and privileged to lead our wonderful school and such a dedicated body of staff, for the benefit of our pupils and their families. This achievement belongs to our pupils and their families, our staff, and the community we serve. I would like to thank our families for supporting the school and working with us for the benefit of our pupils. I hope that they, like us, are very proud."
Jane O’Brien, CEO of The Dean Trust, added: "We are immensely proud of the staff and pupils at Dean Trust Wigan. They have come such a long way, and I am so pleased that the Ofsted report reflects that journey and the school’s many strengths. GCSE examination results improved again this summer, reflecting how hard everyone at the school works to give pupils the best possible opportunities in life."
The school met the expected standard in attendance and behaviour; curriculum and teaching; inclusion; leadership and governance; and personal development and wellbeing. Going forward, the school has been told that leaders 'should ensure that all pupils secure the foundational knowledge that they need to achieve well across the curriculum', 'ensure that in lessons, teachers check and address any gaps in pupils' understanding' and 'ensure that teaching staff have the training that they need to be able to precisely match adaptations to pupils’ barriers to learning'.
The school's open evening for the September 2027 intake has taken place, but families can book a tour of the school via the website.
