Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
St Helens, WA10 1LN · St. Helens · primary school
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49th of 52 primary schools in St. Helens we can score, 54 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 4.2/10 against 2,056 of them, against 3.6/10 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 | 44.0 · 12 | 40% | 0.47 |
| Ofsted | 6 | 35% | 0.21 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
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, 44.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 12.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 197 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 are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the new Ofsted framework affect the school’s current improvement plans?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school undergoing significant leadership changes, with new interim leaders taking "decisive action" to address previous weaknesses. While attendance, behaviour, and safeguarding meet the expected standard, pupil achievement and teaching quality currently "need attention" due to historical inconsistencies in learning. Inspectors note that while improvements are underway, it is "too soon to see the impact" on pupil outcomes.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed.
- Attendance is improving, with leaders taking "swift and effective action" to reduce absence levels through partnership with families.
- Behaviour is positive; pupils are "polite and well-mannered," incidents of bullying are rare, and suspension rates have reduced significantly.
- Early years provision is effective, with children settling quickly and receiving strong support for communication and language skills.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils benefiting from opportunities to broaden their experiences and understanding of the wider world.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff receive professional learning to adapt teaching to pupils' individual needs and starting points.
- Appropriate support must be provided to pupils lacking foundational knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics to improve achievement.
- Governors must gain the expertise to provide effective challenge and support to hold leaders accountable for improving the educational offer.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, meaning leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and 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 | 32% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 44% |
| 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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