Expanse Learning Wigan School, Wigan
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
The school creates a genuinely supportive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Staff understand each student's individual needs and work hard to help them overcome barriers to learning. Pupils learn important life skills, gain relevant qualifications, and leave well-prepared for their next steps with a strong sense of independence and confidence.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding behaviour and personal development, with pupils showing exceptional understanding of equality and respect for differences
- Sensitive and responsive staff who create a calm, comfortable environment and effectively meet individual pupil needs
- Strong careers guidance and focus on preparing pupils for meaningful destinations post-16
- Effective reading support programme with age-appropriate books matched to pupils' interests
- Successful strategies to re-engage pupils who have experienced significant absence from education
Areas for Improvement
- In a small number of subjects, the curriculum is not clearly defined about what pupils should know and remember, resulting in lower achievement in these subjects compared to others
- School should ensure all subjects have the same level of detailed curriculum planning and design
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with stringent measures in place and a strong culture prioritising pupil wellbeing.
Extracurricular Activities
Handball, karaoke, arts and crafts clubs, wheelchair basketball with local rugby league club, school council, antibullying ambassadors, college and sixth-form visits
Expanse Learning Wigan School is a good independent special school for pupils aged 11-16 with SEND, where all pupils have an education, health and care plan. The school provides a supportive environment with excellent behaviour and personal development outcomes.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
0.0
Avg class size
0
Total classes
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
99%
Near capacity
89 pupils
90 capacity
1 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Wigan
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Wigan
Admissions Demand - Wigan
Places available
4,050
Applications
3,703
Got 1st preference
88.4%
Got preferred school
96.4%
Secondary admissions across Wigan (2025/26)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Expanse Learning Wigan School
St Jude's Catholic Primary School Wigan
St James' Church of England Primary School
Wigan Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School
St Mark's CofE Primary School
St Paul's Church of England Primary School
Highfield St Matthew's Church of England Primary School
Marus Bridge Primary School
St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School Wigan
Westfield Community School
St Aidan's Catholic Primary School, Wigan
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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