Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy
Hucknall, NG15 8BZ · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
115th of 229 primary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score, 286 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 3,647 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.0/10 among them, against 4.8/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| 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 Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy 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%. 6.0% reached the higher standard, slightly below the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.0 out of 10 among them, against 4.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 230 pupils against a stated capacity of 230. 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 to reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific clubs or trips are available this term? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
Holy Cross Primary Catholic Voluntary Academy is described as a school where pupils feel "happy and safe" within a "calm and happy atmosphere" underpinned by strong Catholic values. The inspection found that leaders have successfully revised the curriculum to enrich pupils' knowledge, resulting in high-quality work and confident learners, particularly in mathematics and history. While the overall effectiveness is rated as Good, the report highlights specific areas requiring attention to ensure consistent progress in early reading and support for pupils with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "high levels of focus and enjoyment" in learning, with early years children making a "strong start" in a well-resourced environment.
- The revised curriculum, structured around "seven curriculum themes" such as social justice, effectively enhances pupils' knowledge and skills across subjects.
- Staff maintain "high expectations for pupils’ behaviour," fostering a culture where children are "kind and respectful" and receive support when struggling with emotions.
- Pupils benefit from diverse opportunities for personal development, including roles as peer mentors and participation in extra-curricular activities that develop their talents.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure consistent teaching of early reading and phonics, as some pupils are given books that do not match the sounds they know, hindering their progress towards becoming "fluent readers".
- The "pupil passports" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) require improvement to include "precise targets" and clear, measurable guidance for staff and parents.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong and caring culture" where staff receive thorough training and take "prompt, appropriate action" in response to concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 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
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