Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Barrow-in-Furness, LA13 9LR · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
Check the area around this school
55th of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 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 2,918 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Family Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.9 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 217 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the expected standard? What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Family Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are "safe and secure" and enjoy their time. Leaders maintain "high expectations for pupils’ achievement," resulting in a positive environment where children are "extremely polite and respectful." The curriculum is generally well-organised, though minor refinements are needed in specific subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well across all abilities, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who "achieve as well as other pupils."
- Reading is a clear priority, with staff providing "prompt support" to ensure pupils catch up quickly and develop fluency.
- Teachers make learning engaging and check understanding regularly, ensuring pupils "do not forget it over time."
- The school offers a wide range of activities for personal development, such as choir, sports, and residential stays, ensuring "all pupils can participate."
- Governors provide an "appropriate level of challenge," and staff feel "well supported by leaders" regarding workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a "small number of subjects," the curriculum lacks sufficient detail on smaller knowledge components and their learning order, preventing teachers from ensuring pupils learn everything required. Leaders must ensure the curriculum provides enough information for effective teaching in all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and knowing how to "recognise and report any concerns" about pupil welfare.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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