Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
East Cowes, PO32 6AS · Isle of Wight · primary school
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33rd of 35 primary schools in Isle of Wight we can score, 36 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.3/10 against 3,450 of them, against 0.7/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 35.0 · 5 | 40% | 0.20 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.25 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 35.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.7 out of 10 against all schools). An inspection took place in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Book Club, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and gymnastics. They also enjoy a Christmas performance and trips to the Solent Sea Shanty Sing, Winchester Science Centre, and Osborne House.
Getting in
The published school roll is 148 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to improve attainment in the areas identified during the recent inspection?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School provides a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and well-prepared for life beyond school. While early years provision and personal development are significant strengths, inconsistencies in curriculum delivery have resulted in attainment below national expectations for older pupils. Leaders are implementing new strategies to improve teaching consistency and close learning gaps.
Strengths
- Early years provision is a "significant strength," with a "well‑designed" curriculum that ensures children make "secure progress" in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- The personal development programme is "highly effective," fostering "confident, well-rounded and responsible pupils" with a strong understanding of health, safety, and community values.
- Safeguarding standards are met, creating an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Inclusion strategies are effective, with "cohesive" support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and positive feedback from parents.
- Attendance is improving and has been "above national averages," supported by close collaboration with families.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure "high-quality teaching is delivered consistently" across the school to help older pupils close "gaps in their knowledge."
- Curriculum monitoring and support for achievement require "greater rigour and consistency" to drive rapid progress.
- Leaders should maintain attendance "consistently above national expectations" for all pupil groups, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
Safeguarding
The report states that safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture" that ensures pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 29% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 35% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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