Holy Family Catholic Primary School & Nursery
Widnes, WA8 5DW · Knowsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
10th of 48 primary schools in Knowsley we can score, 50 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 4,060 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.7/10 among them, against 6.7/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| 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 Family Catholic Primary School & Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 13.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.7 out of 10 among them, against 6.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join French, Gardening, Choir, STEM, Cheerleading, Cookery, and Art Club, as well as play football and netball. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 216 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 are included in the STEM club? How does the after-school club operate on days when the school is full?
What Ofsted said about Holy Family Catholic Primary School & Nursery
Overview
Holy Family Catholic Primary School & Nursery continues to be a good school, characterised by a "close-knit and happy community" where pupils treat each other with "care and kindness." The school provides an "ambitious and well-defined curriculum" supported by knowledgeable staff, ensuring most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, meet high expectations for achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and behave in accordance with values of "respect, responsibility and resilience."
- Staff are knowledgeable and help pupils "connect new information to knowledge that they have encountered before," frequently checking understanding.
- The early years provide a "strong foundation for future learning," with careful thought given to preparing children for Year 1.
- Pupils with SEND receive effective support, as the school has "strengthened its systems for identifying any additional needs."
- Reading is enjoyed by pupils of all ages, with staff building suspense during stories and pupils acting as "reading champions."
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, assessment strategies are "not well matched to the intent of the curriculum," meaning staff do not always know if pupils have learned specific content.
- The school should ensure assessment strategies are "closely aligned to the intent of the curriculum" to accurately identify gaps in learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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