Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Swindon, SN3 1AR · Swindon · primary school
Check the area around this school
43rd of 54 primary schools in Swindon we can score, 66 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 the 4,199 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5/10 among them, against 3.0/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
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, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5 out of 10 among them, against 3.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 371 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is a larger-than-average primary academy where pupils are described as "proud and happy" to attend. The inspection found that leaders provide a "clear vision" and set "high expectations," resulting in an overall effectiveness judgement of Good. Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and benefit from a curriculum that prioritises reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils are "polite and considerate," feel safe, and understand that "all people should be treated equally."
- Leaders have "prioritised reading," ensuring children become "confident, fluent readers with a love of reading."
- There is a "wide range of activities beyond the academic curriculum," including chaplaincy, dance, and sports clubs, which help develop pupils' talents.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, adapting activities so they can "follow the same curriculum as their peers."
- Pupils understand "fundamental British values" and are proud of their work supporting local and national charities.
Areas to improve
- Subject leadership is "underdeveloped," meaning leaders do not have a "secure enough understanding" of curriculum implementation across all subjects.
- Assessment in the wider curriculum is not always effective in identifying gaps in pupils' knowledge or ensuring learning builds on what they already know.
- Leaders have not identified "subject-specific vocabulary" in a few subjects, which hampers pupils' ability to talk, read, and write about these topics.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff and governors understanding their roles well and leaders being "proactive in ensuring that pupils and families get the help they need."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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 SN3 1AR, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT