St James’ Catholic Primary School Wigan: Strong results, wide ranging success and outstanding care

One of the school’s proudest achievements is the genuine care pupils have for one another, and seeing them rejoice in others successes, says its head teacher.

If you hope your child will become a good person, a kind, supportive, hard-working and resilient citizen who takes pride in their own achievements, gives their all and celebrates the successes of others, then St James’ School, Wigan, is the one for them and for you.

In a world that can be intensely pressured for young people, where results sometimes seem to matter more than how they are achieved, the ethos of St James’ Catholic Primary School, is to nurture and develop the whole child, encouraging resilience, curiosity, self-reflection, communication skills, personal organisation, independence and decision-making

But how exactly do they do that?

“We do this by challenging them at age-appropriate levels,” says Gary Hayes, the school’s hands-on head, who is just as likely to be found helping the dinner staff at lunchtime, coaching on the sports pitches, or chatting to pupils and parents, as he is in sitting his office. They aim for pupils to grow, learn and develop in many ways – emotionally, physically, creatively, socially and academically.

“At our school, it is ok to make mistakes in their learning, as we want them to see it as a learning opportunity.” he said. “What we ask is that they turn up every day and try their best; that they believe in themselves and take on board the advice given to them.”

Ofsted praises strengths

The latest school Ofsted inspection in June highlighted significant strengths in a number of areas, including the development of the whole child. Personal development and wellbeing, pupil behaviour and attendance as well as the early years teaching were picked out for particular praise, as well as the school’s high academic standards.

“Our children are never jealous of their friends and classmates,” Gary said. “It’s so lovely to see how happy they are if their friend gets ‘Star of the week’ or achieves success in another way.”

The strong relationship and connection between home and school was also praised. Gary says it’s vital that pupils experience the same expectations, support and values at school as they do at home – that teachers and parents are promoting a consistent message.

“Parents feel confident working with us and if there is an issue we involve them early in the process and work together.”

Gary is a visible headteacher often at the school gates greeting pupils, parents and grandparents every day. He and the staff get to know the whole family, which helps them to provide the best for that child in school, through a consistent approach.

Gary also coaches some of the sports clubs after school including football, rugby and the boys cricket team – another opportunity to connect with pupils and parents outside the classroom.

Those strong relationships are built in school too. With a buddy system pairing year six pupils with early-years children from the start. Gary said as children move through school they frequently remember their buddy years later – it has a strong and positive influence on them.

Sporting success

This year the school continued its sporting success in many different sports. For example, the Year Six football team won both the league and the cup – retaining their double success from Year Five. The girls’ cricket team also got to the quarter finals of the county championships.

A vibrant curriculum

The foundation of learning at the school is providing an exciting curriculum. This not only means inside the classroom, but the host of extra-curricular activities across the arts and sports. There are annual residential visits for pupils – giving them experiences away from home to get outdoors, work as a team and live, learn and socialise together. This year they went to Robin Wood in Todmorden, West Yorkshire and near Llandudno in Wales.

Faith and love

“One of the many things I love about our children is the way they all buy into our Missions Statement – We follow in Jesus’ footsteps to learn, love, rejoice and forgive together.”

The school continues to have the same strong links to the Parish of St James’ Catholic Church in Orrell. Pupils attend mass at the church regularly, there is daily collective worship and the Parish Priest is a regular visitor to school and part and parcel of school life. The spiritual needs and development of pupils here are as much a part of school live as all other aspects of learning and development. This strong emphasis on the spiritual and moral development of its pupils is welcomed by parents of all faiths within the school community.

Seven Golden Threads

The school emphasises seven key qualities in all its teaching and development, preparing pupils not just for their lives now, but for the next step in their education and setting the foundations for their adult lives

· Resilience

· Curiosity

· Self-reflection

· Communication

· Personal organisation

· Independence

· Decision-making

Pupils are proud to be at the school.

“We often talk to the children about being a St James’ pupil,” Gary said. “What that means is being a good person, being a supportive, kind, forgiving and tolerant person but who is also confident and has self belief and who tries their best.

If you would like your child to be part of this amazing school, then you still can. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2027. And, although the open day has taken place, Gary says any parent is welcome to contact the school and he and the staff will be happy to arrange for them to visit and see for themselves.

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