The Holden School
School summary
With just 79 pupils, The Holden School is among the smaller independent schools in Wigan, offering a notably intimate setting where children are unlikely to go unnoticed. This mixed school takes pupils from age 11 and is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Families drawn to a close-knit environment, rather than the bustle of a large institution, may find its scale a particular draw. It is led by Head Mr Helen Birkinhead.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Teaching & academics
The Holden School admits pupils at 11 and operates an 11+ entry process. As an ISI-inspected independent school, it sits outside the local authority maintained sector in Wigan.
Head · Mr Helen Birkinhead
School life & ethos
- Boarding
- No
Schools nearby
Green Meadow Independent Primary School
Warrington, North West
Cambian Tyldesley School
Manchester, North West
The Parks School
Hindley, North West
CEWE School
Greater Manchester, North West
Martha H School
Wigan, North West
Wargrave House School
Newton-le-Willows, North West
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Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A small independent in Greater Manchester for families who value a personal, low-roll setting over size and scale.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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The Holden School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.