The College was rated Outstanding'in all areas following the latest OFSTED inspection
The inspection team awarded the followinggrades:
• The quality of education-Outstanding OFSTED recognised Winstanley College's exceptionally high-quality education, highlighting the ambitious curriculum and the outstanding achievements of students. Teachers are highly qualified and bring enthusiasm to their subjects,ensuring students develop deep knowledge and skills. The report states: "Teachers frequently check for any knowledge or skills gaps and refer students to additional weekly support lessons,where needed."This targeted approach helps students to achieve excellent results,with two-thirds securing top grades.
• Behaviour and attitudes-Outstanding Students at Winstanley College display exemplary behaviour and attitudes towards their studies. OFSTED inspectors found that students are highly motivated, di igent and eager to excel. The report describes the College as "welcoming, inclusive, caring and friendly,"with students feeling respected and supported. Staff effectively address any concerns, creating a safe and positive learning environment where students thrive.
• Personal development -Outstanding
The College provides a wealth of opportunities to develop students beyond the classroom. The report highlights an "extensive range of high-quality additional activities,"from clubs and societies to subject-related enrichment. These experiences help students grow into responsible, resilient individuals, ensuring they leave College with confidence and maturity, well-prepared for Higher Education and employment.
• Leadership and management -Outstanding OFSTED praised the leadership at Winstanley College, noting that leaders and managers are ambitious for students and committed to continuous improvement. They ensure teachers receive regular professional development and make effective use of quality assurance processes. Governors were commended for their active role in supporting and challenging College leaders to maintain high standards.
• Educationprogrammes for young people -Outstanding Winstanley College provides a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to meet the needs of students. The report states: "Leaders and teachers are aspirational for what their students can achieve."Teaching is well-structured and studentsbenefit from regular assessments, targeted support and expert guidance to help them achieve their academic and career aspirations.
• Provision for learners with high needs -Outstanding Students with high needs receive exceptional support, allowing them to excel. The report states: "Teachers use detailed information to plan individualised learning that helps these students to achieve at least as well as, and often better than, their peers."The College's commitment to accessibility and tailored support ensures that every student can succeed. To
Ourdedicatedteam of Student Ambassadors play a vital role in College events and has made invaluable contributions throughout the term.They give their time and energy to support both the College and the local community in a variety of meaningful ways, including working closely with the Marketing and AdmissionsTeam to assist young people in local schools who are considering their next steps.
Several of our Ambassadors braved the winter cold, staying after lessons to meet, greet and accompany around 800 young people and their families during two Course Discussion Evenings in January andFebruary. Their presence at these events provided visitors with the opportunity to speak directly to students about College life, hearing first-hand about different subjects, enrichment opportunities and the support available to help them make informed decisions about their future.
Julius, Chloe and Ella supported our Virtual Applicant Evening, sharing theirWinstanley journey and offering advice and encouragement to students preparing for their GCSEs. Julius, Anna,Thomas andFedora have also given their time to record short video messages for use with local schools, enabling prospective students to hear first-hand about life at Winstanley.
The College continues to work alongside the fantastic local community groupBrighter Better Orrell.This term, Anna, Alex and Aidan have been actively involved in litter picking, weeding and planting within the local area, whilstT-level Media,Broadcasting and
Production students have been using their technical skills to record a promotional video for the group.
Alongsidedeveloping their enrichment hours and gaining experience in a range of employabilityskills,our Ambassadors volunteer for the sense of fulfilment and the opportunity to meet others with shared interests. Although
Student Ambassadors are initially recruited in September at the EnrichmentFair, new volunteers join throughout the year after seeing the wide range of activities involved and the rewarding experiences gained through participation. Any students wishing to becomeAmbassadorsshould contact the Marketing and AdmissionsTeam via: marketing@winstanley.ac.uk.
Ourstudenthelpershave shown outstanding commitment to makingWinstanley an even more vibrant and supportive place. I should like to thank each and every one of them for their exceptional efforts this term.
WTV NETWORK ROUNDUP
WinstanleyTV has continued to provide engaging and informative content for the College community, delivering a packed schedule of weekly episodes throughout the term.
WTV Network: Episode 18
We have another great episode for you this week. In the Spotlight' chair we have Sophia Pollitt-Walmsley from the MarketingTeam.Cole takes on 'Beat theBrain' and Phillip performs for us in Winstanley Unplugged'.We visit the Student Union hustings andCarys andFinn are back with their Vox Pop' show. Enjoy the show!
The network kept students and staff up to date with College life, featuring interviews, event coverage and entertaining segments Tom'sTop 5' remained a popular highlight, whilst the 'Beat theBrain' challenge tested participants on topics ranging from JamesBond films toFriends.Congratulations to Head of Maths, Tom Peters, for making history as the first person to answer all questions correctly on the topic of Manchester United.Viewers also enjoyed features on the Social Sciences trip to Poland,Culture Day the table tennistournamentand the volunteerfair.
WinstanleyTV expanded further with the launch of the 'RollFilm' podcast and the return of the 'FifthWall' podcast, which featuredThis Morning Production Manager KimBrown as a guest.
With new episodes released everyTuesdaylunchtime,WinstanleyTV continuesto be a platform for students to share their interests, celebrate achievements and bring the College community together.
All previous episodes can be viewed via theWinstanleyTVYouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@WinstanleyCollegeTV
JOIN THE WINSTANLEY ALUMNI
We take great pride in the achievements of our alumni,who have excelled in fields including education,healthcare,law,creative industries and professional sports. Our alumni network plays a vital role in supporting current students,offering career insights,mentoring and guidance. As anexample of this,Liam Stevens worked closely with our music students this term,providing advice on compositionsand improvisation techniques.
Byjoining our alumnicommunity,youcan stay
connected and inspire the next generation. Whether speaking at events, offering work experience or sharing your careerjourney, your involvement makes a reaI difference
If you are a former student, we wouId love to hear from you. Stay engaged, give something back and help shape the future ofWinstanley students
OnWednesday,2 April,we hosted our annual Revision Conference for Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth parent/carers,providing valuable guidance on how best to support students in the run-up to the summer exams.The event covered effective revision techniques,exam season logistics and the importance of student wellbeing during this critical period.
A key focus was ensuring students are making the most of their time. As a minimum,they should be spending at least 1½ hours per day on revision during the week,increasing to over three hours per day at weekends and during the Easter break. Parents and carers were advised to encourage students to "chunk"their study time into manageable sessions and to use all available study periods at College for revision.
The conference also highlighted the importance of
reducingdistractions,ensuring students have a quiet place to work and helping them establish a structured revision routine. Reducing social and part-time work commitments,where possible,was also recommended. Parents and carers were encouraged to actively engage in their child's revision by timing practice exam questions,testing recall of key information and revisiting topics after a few days to reinforce learning.
Emotional wellbeing was another key theme,with an emphasis on regular check-ins to ensure students are coping with exam pressures. Parents and carers were reminded to contact their child's PersonalTutor if they have any concerns.
Further information,including a link to the presentation slides and additionalsupport resources,has been emailed to all Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth parents/carers.
EXAM SELF-CARE
As exams approach,it is important to look after both your mental and physical wellbeing.Managing stress effectively can improve focus and performance.Ensure you take regular breaks,maintaina balanced diet and get enough sleep.Our Mental Health and WellbeingTeam have created a range of resources to support you, including practical tips for managing exam stress.These can be accessed via: https://padlet.com/laurenwaIlacedean/menta1-heaIth-and-we11being-resources-vayj5z1tyt809jir
You can also find expert advice fromYoungMinds on coping strategiesand self-care techniques via: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/exam-self-care/ Remember,you are not alone-help is always available.
LOWER SIXTH MOCK WEEK
Lower Sixth students have been emailed details of their mockexamarrangements.Themockperiod runs from Friday, 2 May to Friday, g May, with a Bank Holiday on Monday 5 May A-level lessons and guidance sessions will be suspended for the duration of the mock exams, while vocational lessons will continue unless students have a mock exam at the same time.
Students with exam clashes will receive individual arrangements via email.Vocational students should check withtheir teachers if they require further clarification onthisweeksarrangements.Theseexamsprovide excellent preparation for externalassessments, and studentsare encouraged to plan thoroughly.
UPPER SIXTH SUMMER 2025 EXAM TIMETABLES
Students taking external exams this summer have already received details on how to access their exam timetable via CEDAR. Full instructions for parent/carers on viewing their child's Summer 2025 exam datesand times can be found at: https://www.winstanley.ac.uk/2854/cedar-1
UCAS 2025 UPDATES
If you have applied to UCAS to start university in September 2025, there are key dates to beaware of
Once you have received decisions from all your university choices,you must reply to any offers by a set deadline.This deadline will be displayed in your UCAS application,so it is essential you check your account.
If the lastdecision is received on or beforeWednesday,14 May 2025, you must reply byThursday,5 June 2025 If the lastdecision is received on or beforeThursday,17 July 2025, you must reply by Wednesday,23 July.
If you do not respond by their deadline,any offers will be automatically declined by UCAS
Applications for Student Finance Are Open!
Full-time undergraduateapplications for 2025 to 2026 are now open.The deadline is Saturday,17 May 2025 to ensure funding is in place for the start of term.Apply early via:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance/when
SupportingYour ChildThrough UCAS
Sign up for the UCAS Newsletter for guidance on theapplication processvia:
Listen to live studio podcasts from UCAS covering everything parent/carers need to know about education and careers,from universityapplications to the skiIIs shaping thejobs of tomorrow Get expert advice to help guide your child's future:
As part of the Family Huboffer,the Mental Health Support Team in Schools is delivering a series of parent/carer workshops during the Easter HalfTerm.These sessions will provide valuable psychoeducation and support strategies for managing anxiety and low mood in children and young people.
Workshops will cover:
• Understanding anxiety and low mood, including symptoms and impact
• Practicalstrategiesto support children and young people.
Each go-minute session will be led by the Mental Health Support Team across Wigan Borough Family Hubs. Booking is essential-please use the links below to secure a place, or visit: Wigan Mental Health Support Team in Schools Events - 8 Upcoming Activities and Tickets I Eventbrite
Family Hub at Formby Avenue, Atherton, M46 oHX
Understanding Anxiety Workshop for Parents/Carers
Tuesday 8th April, 10.oo-11-3oam - Book here
Understanding Low Mood Workshop for Parents/Carers
Tuesday 8th April, 1.oo-2.3opm - Book here
Family Hub at the Meadows, 100-116 Ridyard Street,Wigan,WN5 gRQ
Understanding Anxiety Workshop for Parents/Carers
Tuesday 8th April, 3-oo-4.3opm - Book here
Understanding Anxiety Workshop for Parents/Carers
Tuesday 8th April, 5.oo-6.3opm - Book here
Family Hub at Clifton Street,Wigan,WN3 5HN
Understanding Anxiety Workshop for Parents/Carers
Wednesday 9th April, 10.oo-11-3oam - Book here
Understanding Low Mood Workshop for Parents/Carers
Wednesday 9th April, 1.oo-2.3opm - Book here
Family Hub at Mornington Road, Hindley,Wigan,WN2 4LG
