Fir Tree College, Wigan

Special

Special post 16 institution

Mixed

Ages 14–25

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

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Key Information

DfE GIAS

Head:Ms Delia Casey

LA:Wigan

Phone:01257251502

Website:www.firtreecollege.com

Address:The Nook, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9JB

Area:Schools in WN6

Status:open

Opened:1 September 2018

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 4 months ago

Report card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)

Exceptional

Strong

Expected

Needs Attention

Urgent

Achievement

Needs Attention

Personal Development

Needs Attention

Leadership

Needs Attention

Inspected 6 May 2026View full report

URN:146039

UKPRN:10043186

Diocese:Not applicable

Constituency:Wigan

Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

Fir Tree College excels at creating a safe, welcoming environment where young people with significant barriers can build confidence, independence and social skills. Staff know learners extremely well and work closely with families and employers to provide meaningful work experience. Most learners move on to positive destinations such as employment or supported internships.

Key Strengths

Safeguarding is effective with an open, positive culture where learners feel safe
Strong support for learners' personal development, confidence and independence with tailored careers guidance
Safe, welcoming environment where learners develop social skills and most move to positive destinations after leaving
Staff prioritise learner wellbeing and work closely with families, employers and local stakeholders

Areas for Improvement

Teaching in English and mathematics lacks sufficient challenge - lessons often don't meet individual learning needs
Leaders' oversight of quality is weak and improvement actions are too slow to implement
Personal targets for learners are too broad and feedback on written work is mostly congratulatory rather than constructive
Staff lack specialist training in special educational needs and don't have extensive experience teaching learners with complex needs

Safeguarding

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have created an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and learners feel safe.

Extracurricular Activities

Reading club, art club, meditation sessions, work experience placements, visits from police and fire brigade, canal and river trust water safety guidance

Fir Tree College serves 49 learners with high needs who often have significant barriers to learning and poor previous educational experiences. The college provides inclusive support and work experience, but needs to improve the quality of teaching in core subjects and leadership oversight.