LIVE TO LEARN, LEARN TO LIVE
Thanks for everyone joined our Open Evening 2025!
Visit our Transition Pages for more information.
“Being at Byrchall has allowed me to try so many new things. I take part in experiments and practical lessons and I learn more in the clubs and activities that are for everyone here. I have made friends quickly, it’s made school so much fun.”
“I’m so happy that I chose Byrchall for my children. It really is a wonderful school. The pastoral support is amazing and I would definitely recommend the school. ”
“School is somewhere I feel welcome and able to be myself. I am proud and happy to be a student at Byrchall.”
“The best thing about the school is the dedicated staff. They really do go above and beyond for the students and I can’t fault them in any way. ”
“I have really enjoyed my first year at Byrchall. I have tried so many new skills, joined three clubs and I have made friends so quickly. It feels like I have always been here.”
Latest news
Our Byrchall Bakers club filled the school with Christmas cheer yesterday after school! 🎄
Students made their own Christmas tree puff pastries — and they looked (and smelled!) incredible.
From making the pastry to the final bake, it was such a lovely session from start to finish.
Well done, Bakers! 💛
#cooking #pastry #food #christmas
This morning, our Year 7 students gathered at St Thomas’ Church for a truly special Welcome Service.
In the sunshine-filled hall, we prayed together, listened to students share their future aspirations, and reflected on the journeys they’ve just begun. These ambitions will be revisited when they move on to college — a beautiful reminder of how far they’ll grow.
Although Y7 only joined us in September, they’ve already woven into the fabric of the Byrchall community.
A meaningful pause, at a time of year filled with hope, excitement and new beginnings. ✨
#welcomeservice #community #NewBeginnings
What a brilliant Food Careers Day yesterday! ✨
Our Year 8 students teamed up with our canteen chefs for a high-energy stir-fry challenge — working in groups to create the tastiest dish.
The corridor was filled with incredible smells, laughter, and so much positivity. Each member of the winning team won a gold medal… on a cake! Even our Headteacher, Mr Paul, popped in to see the action! 🥇
A huge well done to everyone who took part — your talent in the kitchen was outstanding!
#food #cooking #teamwork
8R2 is spreading some Christmas cheer with TWO festive fundraisers! 🎄
For just 20p, you can send a candy cane to someone who’s made your day a little brighter — a friend, a teacher, or anyone you want to thank. Pop into Room 1-23 at lunchtime to write your message, and it’ll be delivered for you!
And that’s not all…
From 1st–5th December, 8R2 is hosting a Rubik’s Cube Tournament! Entry is 50p, and the fastest solver will take home a box of chocolates.
A bit of kindness, a bit of competition — and a lot of festive fun!
Any questions, speak to Miss Porter.
#christmas #rubikscube #fundraiser
🌟 Weekly Student Spotlight: Libby Ward 🌟
This week, we celebrate Libby in Year 8 for an outstanding performance at the Wigan Life Centre Swimming Gala with Ashton Central Swimming Club. She achieved personal bests in every event she entered — including 50m, 200m and 400m Freestyle, 100m and 200m Breaststroke, and the 200m Individual Medley.
Libby also shared insights into her training routine, her swimming journey, and how the sport has strengthened both her physical and mental resilience. Well done, Libby— you’re making real waves! 🌊👏
#swimming #sports #WednesdaySpotlight
📣 Y8–11 Form Tutor Evening — Thursday 4th December, 4–6pm
A reminder: Please check your Synergy Parent account for a message on how to book your appointment.
If you need any help, just contact our school office — they’ll be happy to assist.
Parsnip Pupdate! 🐾
Our Year 7s have loved checking in on our sponsored guide dog, Parsnip, this morning! We’ve been looking at his latest training updates and adorable photos - his cheeky personality is definitely shining through as he works towards becoming a fully certified guide dog. 💛
#guidedogs #community
What a night at the Platt Bridge presentation awards! ✨
Megan shone on stage, winning the Tinies and Junior Line trophies — and earning the Trainer’s Choice Award for the junior line. An incredible achievement!
Megan has been passionate about Morris dancing since she was just 2 years old. After moving to Platt Bridge Morris post-Covid, she worked hard to relearn everything from the beginning. Now in her third year with the troupe, she dances in both the Tinies and Junior age groups — a huge commitment in a very physical sport.
Her dedication, energy, and love for dancing truly stand out. Well done, Megan — keep dancing your heart out!💛💃
#dance #CelebrateSuccess #dedication
Career of the Week: Photographer! 📸
A picture can tell a thousand stories — and photographers are the storytellers behind the lens! Whether it’s capturing live events, portraits, nature, or fashion, photography is all about creativity, patience, and seeing the world differently.
Think you’ve got the eye for it? 👀 Check out the poster below to learn more about what it takes to turn your passion for pictures into a career!
#careerdevelopment #photography #creativity
💷 The Byrchall £10 Apprentice Challenge starts NOW! 💥
Move over BBC Apprentice and Lord Sugar for our Byrchall take on The Apprentice 2025! Lord Paul (Mr Paul!) will judge which House raises the most money for their House Charity in the most creative way! Watch out for information from your Form Tutor this week!
🔹 Every form gets a £10 start up loan from school - this must be repaid!
🔹 2 weeks to turn it into a community fundraiser with a festive twist!
🔹 Forms can join with the other form in their House
💡 Ideas could include:
• Bake/sweet treats sale
• Christmas market game (e.g. Guess the Sweets in the Jar)
• Charity raffle
• Sponsored event
• Any other fundraising idea of your choice! 🌟
📸 What to do:
Take a Form / House group photo of your finished result and steps along the way.
Write a short summary of your idea, how it helps your House charity & the skills you learnt as a form.
➡️ Send all evidence to Mrs McGuire (email or 0-09).
⏰ Deadline: Monday 8th December
Let’s do something incredible for our community and find out which House will earn the famous “You’re Hired!” handshake from Lord Paul! 🙌
#theapprentice #community #charity
Our Year 9 students have been exploring the environmental impact of plastic bags through a Science project called Ban on Bags. Last Friday, they put different supermarket carriers to the test — loading them with weights to compare durability, strength, and quality. 🌍🛍️
A single-use plastic bag releases around 1.6 kg of CO₂ during its life cycle. In the UK, we use about 13 billion carrier bags each year, and most are used only once. Although many can take up to a century to decompose, some may persist far longer in a landfill.
Their findings highlight an important message: reusing and recycling bags is a simple but powerful way to reduce waste and protect our planet.
#science #sustainability #ecofriendly
This week in Form Time, our Behaviour Curriculum is celebrating the Byrchall Recognition Programme – Community Strand At Byrchall. We are proud to support student development beyond the classroom, encouraging every learner to live our motto:
⭐ Live to Learn — Learn to Live ⭐
Over the last term, our students have shown outstanding commitment to helping others and building community spirit - take a look at some of our recent events! 🫶
Are you ready for the Byrchall Community Challenge over the next two weeks? Check your Parent Synergy message or speak to your Form Tutor to find out more. To learn more about the Byrchall Recognition Scheme, visit the Parent and Student tabs on our school website. The next round of badges will go out the week before Christmas.
#recognition #community
SENIOR HOUSE COMPETITION
Our History
Byrchall High School was founded in 1588 at the behest of Robert Birchall. He established the school with the vision of providing outstanding educational provision for the young people of our area. Since then Byrchall has benefitted from the many donations of land, resources and even cakes and ales for its students-a tradition celebrated each year on our Founder’s Day!
Our founder believed in education and in community. In this proud tradition our school today maintains its strong links with our local community and The Church of England. We remain steadfast in our work of enabling every young person in our community to achieve their full potential as an integral part of Byrchall High School.
Recent History
To celebrate our rich and long standing school history within the Wigan borough, we held an alumni event.
Pupils and staff who attended Byrchall high school throughout the decades were invited back to share their stories, memories and to look back on some of our archived photographs, booklets and school memorabilia.
Take a look at the event for yourself using the button below.
Our Values
Byrchall High School is committed to fostering an environment built on strong core values that shape both the academic and personal growth of its students. Our motto encapsulates all we try to do every day.
Learn to Live – enjoy and achieve.
Live to Learn – now and in the future.
These values are underpinned by the daily practice of respect, responsibility, resilience, and aspiration, which guide the behaviour and decision-making of the school community.
Respect is encouraged in all interactions, promoting kindness and understanding amongst students and staff.
Responsibility is emphasised, ensuring that students take ownership of their learning and actions.
Resilience is nurtured through challenges, empowering students to overcome obstacles and learn from setbacks.
Aspiration drives the pursuit of excellence, encouraging students to aim high and reach their full potential. Together, these values create a positive, supportive, and ambitious school culture where every individual is welcome and integral to our community.
OUR FUTUREs
Encouraging aspiration in young people is essential for helping them to realise their full potential and pursue meaningful goals.
With a stimulating and varied curriculum including academic, creative and extra-curriular options for every child, Byrchall makes learning exciting.
All students are encouraged to plan for a bright future, fostering a growth mindset where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles.
By providing our students with diverse role models, exposing them to various career paths, and celebrating their achievements, we can inspire ambition and a sense of possibility.
Mentorship, personalised support, guidance, and creating an environment where their interests are nurtured can further ignite their drive to succeed.
Encouraging self-belief and resilience ensures that our young people remain focused on their aspirations, even in the face of challenges and a changing world, empowering them to set high standards for themselves and strive toward fulfilling futures in whatever area they choose.
