LIVE TO LEARN, LEARN TO LIVE
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“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
✨ Arts Week Highlights!
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Alex MacDonald from The Rubbish Shakespeare Company to lead drama workshops with our Year 7–9 students. @rubbishshakespeare
Through fun, interactive activities, students explored Shakespeare in a creative and engaging way, building confidence, teamwork and performance skills along the way.
Our students absolutely loved the sessions! A huge thank you to Alex for delivering such brilliant workshops.
#drama #shakespeare #performingarts
We are delighted to introduce Spirix Dance Collective @spirix_collective , one of this year`s Visiting Practitioners for Arts Week. As an award-winning youth-led performing arts organisation, Spirix is dedicated to breaking down barriers to dance and creativity, empowering young people through performance, collaboration and self-expression.
Originally founded in 2017 as WigLe Dance CIC by Amy Hodgson, the organisation was created with a simple but powerful mission: to make dance accessible, affordable and inclusive for every young person. What began in school halls and community spaces quickly grew into one of the region`s leading dance organisations, engaging hundreds of young people and building a thriving creative community.
Supported by Wigan Council and major funding partners, Spirix has led a number of pioneering initiatives, including the Wigan Borough Dance Festival, the Wigan Dance Network, and partnerships with more than 75 schools each year. The organisation has earned national recognition for its innovative approach, placing young people`s voices at the heart of everything it does while creating clear pathways for aspiring performers.
In 2025, WigLe Dance evolved into Spirix Dance Collective, taking its name from the mythical bird that symbolises freedom, fearlessness and forward motion. While the name changed, its values remained the same: using the performing arts as a powerful force for personal growth, confidence and positive change.
In 2026, Spirix opened a dedicated youth arts venue in the heart of Leigh town centre—a vibrant creative space designed with and for young people. The venue provides a welcoming home for dance, creativity and collaboration, further strengthening Spirix`s commitment to making the arts accessible to all.
We are excited for our students to work with the Spirix Dance Collective team during Arts Week and experience their inspiring, inclusive approach to dance, creativity and performance.
#creativity #dance #performingarts
Hope everyone is keeping well in the warm weather!
Just a gentle reminder that from Wednesday 8th–Friday 10th July, students may attend school in either full school uniform (tie and blazer optional) or full Byrchall PE kit.
Please remember that a mixture of the two, or their own clothes, is not permitted.
Thank you for your continued support. We will share an update later this week about arrangements for the week beginning Monday 13th July.
Take care and enjoy the sunshine! ☀️
🎸🎶 Arts Week rocks on!
Our students have been working incredibly hard today in Rock Lab, forming their own bands, taking on different musical roles and rehearsing a song together.
The teamwork, creativity and confidence on display have been fantastic, and we genuinely can`t wait to see them perform tomorrow at our very own Byrchall Fringe Festival!
#rockmusic #teamwork #community
🥁✨ Arts Week excitement continues!
Take a look at how our students got on in today`s Bom Ta Bom Drum Workshop with Mark!
With upbeat rhythms, expert guidance and plenty of energy, students explored the power of percussion, developed their musical skills and worked together to create some fantastic performances.
It was wonderful to see so much creativity, confidence and enthusiasm on display. A huge thank you to Mark for another brilliant session!
#drums #music #upbeat
We are delighted to introduce Mischief Theatre @mischiefcomedy as one of this year`s Visiting Practitioners for Arts Week. Renowned for their unique blend of physical comedy, theatrical chaos and laugh-out-loud storytelling, Mischief has become one of the world`s leading comedy theatre companies.
Founded in 2008 by graduates of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Mischief first began performing improvised comedy before creating their signature style of brilliantly choreographed productions where everything appears to go spectacularly wrong. Best known for the Olivier Award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong @playgoeswrong and the BBC`s The Goes Wrong Show, the company continues to create award-winning productions that celebrate the joy of live theatre and the power of comedy.
Leading the workshop is Matthew, who graduated from LAMDA in 2012 and has enjoyed an extensive career across the West End, Broadway and screen. Alongside his work as a performer, he is also a writer whose credits span comedy sketches, musical theatre and short film. Matthew is an Associate Member of both the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre and the Olivier Award-winning improvisation company, The Showstoppers @showstopperthemusical
We are excited for our students to explore physical theatre, comedy and performance with Matthew during Arts Week and gain an insight into the creativity, collaboration and skill behind Mischief`s world-famous productions.
#performingarts #drama #theatre
🎭 Arts Week Highlights!
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Tori from the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester @rxtheatre to lead drama workshops with our Year 7–9 students.
Students explored the world of Shakespeare through interactive activities, performance exercises and short drama pieces, building confidence, creativity and teamwork along the way.
A huge well done to everyone who took part, and a massive thank you to Tori for delivering such engaging and memorable sessions!
#drama #shakespeare #performingarts
🎨✨ Arts Week wouldn`t be complete without Art!
Our students got hands-on with clay sculpting, spray art and drawing, exploring new techniques and letting their creativity shine. The talent, imagination and enthusiasm on display have been incredible – just look at what they created!
A huge well done to all our students, and a massive thank you to our visiting artists for delivering such fantastic sessions.
#ArtsWeek #art #creativity
A huge well done to Lewis Jones (8R2), who competed this weekend at The Ringing World National Youth Contest. @rwyouthringing
Representing The Lancashire Lads and Lasses, Lewis and his team achieved an impressive 4th place out of 16 teams in their category.
A fantastic achievement, Lewis! We are incredibly proud of you. 👏
#CelebrateSuccess #teamwork #community
✨ Arts Week Highlights!
Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome back former Byrchall student Mia Clayton, who led fantastic dance workshops with our Year 9 and 10 dancers.
Now training on the BA (Hons) Dance and Musical Theatre course at one of London`s leading theatre academies, Mia shared her experience and passion with our students. In just four hours, they choreographed a complete dance routine together!
We`re incredibly proud of their dedication, talent and teamwork. A huge thank you to Mia for delivering such brilliant sessions!
🎭 Come along to the Byrchall Fringe Festival tomorrow (5.00–7.30pm) to see their fantastic performance!
#dance #performingarts #theatre
🥁🎭 Arts Week continues!
We were delighted to welcome Mark from Bom Ta Bom Drum & Sound Therapy into the classroom for an energetic and interactive workshop.
Students explored the power of rhythm, learned new drumming techniques and worked together to create some fantastic music. The room was filled with energy, teamwork and plenty of smiles!
A huge thank you to Mark for such an inspiring session. What a brilliant Arts Week experience!
#performingarts #music #drums
We are delighted to introduce our Music Visiting Practitioners as part of this year`s Arts Week. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in performance, composition and music education, giving students the opportunity to learn from talented musicians working across a range of genres and disciplines.
Hannah is a Manchester-based mezzo-soprano who graduated with a First Class Bachelor of Music degree from the Royal Northern College of Music. Alongside her extensive performance experience across opera, choral and session work, she is also a qualified music teacher.
George holds a First Class Honours degree in Music from the University of Sunderland and is completing a PGCE in Music at Manchester Metropolitan University. A multi-instrumentalist with over 13 years of experience, he has performed at venues across the UK and is currently involved in two bands.
Betsey is a singer-songwriter and music educator who graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Manchester, specialising in jazz vocals and performance. She has performed at venues including Rock City and Splendour Festival and recently completed her PGCE in Secondary Music Education.
We are excited for our students to work with Hannah, George and Betsey during Arts Week, where they will gain first-hand insight into performing, creating and teaching music from experienced professionals.
#music #artsweek #performingarts
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.
