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Our History

St John Fisher Catholic High School serves the young people of central Wigan. It provides a well-designed, inspirational, and engaging education within a strong Catholic environment, celebrating the talents and potential of its students in a supportive, loving, and safe setting.

Renowned for its warm Catholic welcome and outstanding pastoral care, St John Fisher is recognised as an outstanding Catholic school by a S48 inspection in June 2023 and rated "Good" by Ofsted in November 2021. The school is celebrated for its high standards, its students' achievements in sports and the arts, and its strong partnerships with the wider community.

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1955

Opening of St John Fisher Boys School

St John Fisher Boys School opened on 3rd January 1955, catering to boys aged 11-15 from St Patrick’s and Sacred Heart schools. The boys were not allowed to visit the school until the opening day, creating an air of excitement and anticipation. They wore black blazers purchased from local shops, and teachers greeted them dressed formally in gowns and mortarboards—a tradition reserved for special occasions. The school day ran from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 15-minute morning break and a longer lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Sports facilities were initially limited, requiring students to walk to Giants Hall Colliery for games. Reflecting on his first days at the school, student Billy Hutchins described it as being like "changing from driving a Mini to a Rolls Royce."

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1957

First School Trip

In May 1957, the school organised its first overseas trip to Blankenberge, Belgium, marking an important milestone in broadening students' horizons. Tragically, upon their return, news arrived that headteacher Mr Michael Hamilton had been killed in a hit-and-run accident. Mr Hamilton, remembered for his passion for cross-country running, had introduced the sport to the PE curriculum. He was succeeded by Mr Kevin Murphy, a local educator who brought stability and leadership to the school during a challenging time.

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1967

Opening of St John Fisher Girls School

The school expanded in August 1967 with the opening of St John Fisher Girls School, led by Sr Mary Monica. Girls wore green blazers, in contrast to the boys' black, and the two schools operated separately. This development reflected the growing demand for quality Catholic education for girls in the area.

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1972

Transition to Comprehensive Education

The boys’ and girls’ schools merged to form a comprehensive school, accommodating students from St Patrick’s, St Mary’s, St John’s, and Sacred Heart primary schools. The transition faced logistical challenges, including delays in construction, resulting in some students experiencing half-time education during their first year. Despite these difficulties, the school quickly established itself as a centre for academic and extracurricular excellence. Blocks C, D, and E were constructed during this period, providing new facilities for the growing student body.

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1980s-2000s

Sporting Achievements

The school’s reputation for sporting excellence blossomed during these decades. In Rugby League and Rugby Union, alumni such as Sean O'Loughlin, Liam Farrell, Owen Farrell, Jason O'Loughlin, and Joel Tomkins gained national and international recognition. Sean Edwards and Sean O'Loughlin received OBEs for their contributions to sport. Netball star Karen Aspinall represented England 12 times, earning an MBE and winning three Commonwealth Games bronze medals. More recently, Isabelle Morris, former Deputy Head Girl, represented Wales in Netball in 2024.

Even more significant than sporting success, four alumni have been ordained as priests: Fr Andrew Unsworth (2002), Fr Paul Grady (2012), Fr Anthony Kelly (2018), and Fr Keith Windsor (2007). Fr Keith now serves at San Antonio Friary in Denver, Colorado. These achievements reflect the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

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2020

Inclusion in School Rebuilding Programme

In July 2020, the school was named among the first 50 schools to benefit from the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. This recognition underscored the school’s resilience and its dedication to providing high-quality education in state-of-the-art facilities. The announcement marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the school’s history.

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2022-2025

Construction of New Facilities

Construction of the new school building and sports facility commenced in June 2022. The project includes cutting-edge classrooms, advanced sports amenities, and dedicated spaces for the arts and sciences. These modern facilities are designed to inspire the next generation of students while honouring the school’s rich heritage. The school is set to take possession of the new premises in February 2025, with an aim for the project to be completed by Spring 2025, marking the culmination of years of planning and hard work.

A History of Excellence

St John Fisher Catholic High School continues to uphold its tradition of nurturing talent, fostering community partnerships, and preparing students for bright futures. Its rich history and commitment to innovation ensure that it remains a cornerstone of education in Wigan for generations to come.

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Contact

St John Fisher Catholic High School

Baytree Road, Wigan

WN6 7RN​​

Temporary Tel: 07498 388303 / 07961 979393

Email: enquiries@sjf.wigan.sch.uk

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