Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Plymouth, PL4 9BE · Plymouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 — 6.7/10 against 4,089 of them, against 6.6/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 20.0 · 92 | 25% | 2.30 |
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, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. A higher 20.0% achieved the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join The Children's University, Roots of Empathy, and Holy Cross Explorers. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 276 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 do the Holy Cross Explorers undertake during the term? How does the school manage the transition for children joining from other faiths?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is described as a ‘caring school’ where pupils feel ‘happy and safe’ and are ‘included and valued’. Leaders maintain ‘high expectations’ that pupils consistently meet, supported by an ‘ambitious curriculum’ and effective support for those with special educational needs. The inspection highlights a strong community ethos, with pupils taking pride in their roles and demonstrating respect for diverse beliefs.
Strengths
- Pupils describe the environment as a ‘Holy Cross family’, noting that adults ‘want the best for them’ and listen to their views.
- Reading is ‘high profile’, with a ‘well-organised phonics programme’ ensuring pupils learn to read well and build fluency.
- Staff adapt learning carefully for pupils with SEND, enabling them to ‘access the same ambitious curriculum as other pupils’.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils understand bullying, know adults will intervene, and ‘treat everyone the same’.
- Children in Reception settle quickly into ‘clear routines’ and are encouraged to be independent and use ‘ambitious vocabulary’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ‘evaluate the curriculum’ to address inconsistencies in the ‘depth of knowledge that pupils know and remember’ across subjects, as recent improvements have not yet been fully assessed.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with staff trained to quickly identify concerns and make appropriate referrals to support vulnerable families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of PL4 9BE, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT