Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow
Harlow, CM18 6JJ · Essex · primary school
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198th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 — 5.1/10 against 3,905 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
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, Harlow overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Dance, Choir Club, Karate, Musical Theatre, Cafod Club, and the Laudato'Si-Eco Council. Sports include football and multisports, and Year 6 students take a residential trip to the Isle of Wight. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 412 pupils against a stated capacity of 436. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Harlow
Overview
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, fostering a ‘loving and caring community’ where pupils feel valued and safe. Leaders have prioritised reading and personal development, ensuring pupils behave well and thrive academically in most subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘attentive and focused in lessons’ with ‘positive attitudes to learning’, supported by high behaviour expectations and rare bullying.
- Reading is effectively prioritised, with ‘well-trained teachers’ ensuring pupils follow a ‘systematic approach to phonics’ and become ‘confident readers’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘identified quickly’ and receive tailored support, allowing them to ‘thrive in the school’.
- Leaders focus on ‘developing the whole not just the academic’, delivering a strong personal, social and emotional education curriculum that builds ‘compassion and resilience’.
- Staff feel ‘well looked after and valued by leaders’, who ensure workload is considered and provide emotional support.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, staff lack full confidence in subject knowledge, meaning pupils ‘do not routinely know and remember more’; leaders must ensure staff receive necessary training to deliver the curriculum ‘confidently and consistently’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff promptly identifying risks and leaders responding quickly to concerns while ensuring pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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