Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School
Purley, CR8 2XP · Croydon · primary school
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37th of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 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 — 6.8/10 against 4,258 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 12.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. 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 (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Year 6 pupils take a residential trip to Normandy. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 212 pupils against a stated capacity of 226. 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 higher standard in maths? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school prepare Year 6 pupils for the Normandy residential?
What Ofsted said about Margaret Roper Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as "very happy" and feel "welcome and part of the school community," with "excellent" behaviour in lessons. Leaders provide an "ambitious curriculum" that ensures pupils achieve well, supported by "robust systems" for safeguarding and strong staff-pupil relationships.
Strengths
- "Behaviour in lessons is excellent," with pupils showing "high expectations of their own behaviour" and a "positive and calm" environment.
- Children receive a "very strong start in the early years," developing "resilience and problem-solving skills" and a "very strong foundation in mathematics."
- Leaders give "high priority to supporting all pupils to read," ensuring "secure phonics knowledge" and a "passion for reading."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access the "same curriculum as their peers" and receive "targeted and excellent support."
- Pupils demonstrate a "strong understanding of different faiths, cultures and beliefs" and take on leadership roles such as ‘friendship ambassadors’.
Areas to improve
- "Curriculum thinking is not as well developed in a few subjects," limiting pupils’ deeper knowledge; the school must ensure the curriculum is "designed and sequenced well" across all subjects.
- Teaching does not always "address pupils’ misconceptions swiftly," leaving some pupils not fully ready for future content; staff must "act swiftly to address any misconceptions."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with "robust systems" in place to track vulnerable pupils and staff trained to identify and report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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