Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Swindon, SN1 2LU · Swindon · primary school
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4th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.9/10 against 4,258 of them, against 8.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.55 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Rood Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 15.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Digital Leaders club, an after-school club, and various sports including Boys and Girls Football Academies, Athletics with Fortius PE, and Martial Arts with Success Martial Arts.
Getting in
The published school roll is 381 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the Digital Leaders club? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 381?
What Ofsted said about Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as proud to attend this school, flourishing within a “warm and inclusive ethos” grounded in values of “fairness, compassion and loyalty.” The report highlights that pupils feel “happy and safe,” benefiting from strong pastoral care and high behavioural expectations. Leaders have successfully redesigned the curriculum, ensuring pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, learn well through a strong focus on vocabulary and reading.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “attentive” behaviour and work hard, with bullying reported as “not a concern.”
- The curriculum is “carefully planned” with a “strong focus on pupils’ vocabulary and language,” leading to secure learning.
- Reading is prioritised effectively; the phonics programme is “well planned” and staff teach it “skilfully.”
- Staff check learning progress routinely, addressing errors quickly to ensure “earlier learning is secure.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities access the full curriculum and “achieve well.”
Areas to improve
- In a small number of foundation subjects, leaders are unclear about early years learning, meaning Key Stage 1 does not always build on prior knowledge.
- Assessment in a few foundation subjects is not consistently effective, causing some pupils to struggle with remembering what they have learned.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with “strong” procedures to keep pupils safe, vigilant staff, and detailed records of proactive support for vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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