Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
South Ockendon, RM15 5RP · Thurrock · primary school
Check the area around this school
18th of 39 primary schools in Thurrock we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.7/10 against 3,314 of them, against 7.0/10 nationally. 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 224 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 are working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the Catholic ethos shape daily classroom routines?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, maintaining high standards since its previous inspection. The report highlights a "highly inclusive ethos" where pupils enjoy a wide range of opportunities and demonstrate strong values such as respect and tolerance. Leaders have constructed an "ambitious curriculum" that supports diverse learners, including those with special educational needs, ensuring most pupils achieve well.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "very respectful, strong relationships" with staff and feel safe, contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture.
- Leaders have designed a well-sequenced curriculum with an emphasis on "developing oracy," allowing pupils to build on existing knowledge effectively.
- Early reading is prioritised through an "effective phonics programme," enabling many pupils to achieve well despite low starting points.
- Staff provide targeted support for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they "learn the same curriculum as others."
- Leaders are attentive to staff well-being, implementing measures like high-quality schemes of work to reduce planning time.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure they accurately check pupils’ learning to provide precise "next-step activities," as some pupils currently do not progress as much as they could.
- The school should ensure learning behaviour expectations are clear and consistently applied, so all pupils are "ready and able to listen and learn."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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