New School Build
Our new school building marked an exciting milestone in the history of St John Fisher. Designed with modern education in mind, this purpose-built facility provides a welcoming and inspiring environment for all. The new building includes state-of-the-art classrooms, dedicated spaces for communal dining, worship, and extracurricular activities, and enhanced resources to support our students’ academic and personal development.
In July 2020, our headteacher, Mrs. Rigby, received the exciting news from the Department of Education (DfE) that St John Fisher Catholic High School would be re-built. By February 2021, SJF was proudly announced as the flagship school for the DfE Schools Rebuild Programme. Over the next 10 years, this programme will see 50 schools re-designed, rebuilt, or renovated to create modern, efficient learning spaces. Work on our new build began in the summer of 2022.
Key Facts
The project commenced in 2022 and concluded by Summer 2026. St John Fisher was selected as a flagship school for the Department for Education's Rebuilding Programme, funded entirely by the DfE. Wates Construction, a trusted national contractor with extensive experience in school projects, was chosen to bring this vision to life. The school was designed to be net-zero, combining sustainability with modern facilities.
Our Vision for the Future
Our new campus now features cutting-edge facilities designed for academic and personal growth. The three-storey superblock hosts:
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State-of-the-art classrooms equipped for outstanding teaching and learning.
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Modern IT and digital platforms to accelerate learning opportunities.
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A central school chapel, blending tradition and spirituality.
We committed to preserving our heritage by integrating the SJF crest from the old Block A into the superblock’s design. Additionally, a time capsule—containing a newspaper, school tie, photos of the build, and other mementos suggested by the school council—was buried at the front of the school, under the statue of St John Fisher, for future generations to discover.
Construction and Planning
The steel frame for the main superblock, accessed via Baytree Road, was completed over the Summer of 2023. By Easter 2024, this structure had evolved into the iconic “red box” that is now a recognisable feature on Baytree Road.
We moved into our ne school in March 2025. Once we relocated, the Wates team began demolishing the remaining buildings and landscaped the rest of the site to complete the transformation. This was a challenging time for the school as it navigated dynamic fire evacuation and risk assessments.
The phased demolition of older buildings ensured minimal disruption to school operations. Vehicular access from Baytree Road and Springfield Road remained unchanged, with car parking areas reconfigured to suit the new layout. Thanks to meticulous planning, noisy work was scheduled during holidays or outside of school hours, with special accommodations made during GCSE exam periods.
Despite the construction, St John Fisher continued to be a safe, secure, and happy environment where students thrived academically and socially.
Our new school is a pioneer in eco-friendly design. It incorporates:
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Solar-powered technology for energy efficiency.
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A green roof to improve insulation and encourage biodiversity.
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Electric vehicle charging points.
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Social green spaces for relaxation and promoting environmental awareness.
Sustainability Features
Sports and Recreation
The new sports facility includes:
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A full-size, two-storey sports hall.
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A dance studio with wall mirrors and a ballet bar.
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A fitness suite to nurture athletic talents.
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Outdoor play areas, including a tarmacked MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) marked for basketball, netball, and football.
As of Spring 2025, St John Fisher had been transformed into a modern, dynamic learning environment designed to inspire current and future generations. From state-of-the-art teaching spaces to sustainable innovations, our new school is a beacon of educational excellence. This truly is history in the making—a school for the future of Wigan.
From Demolition to New Beginnings | St John Fisher’s School Transformation
Witness the incredible journey of St John Fisher’s transformation! Over the past 6 years, our school has undergone a remarkable redevelopment—from demolition to the completion of our brand-new school building.
The video captures:
✅ The demolition of the old school
✅ The construction process step by step
✅ The final reveal of our brand-new learning environment
We are excited to welcome students, staff, and the community into this new chapter of St John Fisher’s history.
