Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Voluntary Academy
Doncaster, DN3 2DB · Doncaster · primary school
Check the area around this school
46th of 88 primary schools in Doncaster we can score, 98 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 — 4.6/10 against 3,450 of them, against 4.6/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.6 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025.
Getting in
The published school roll is 217 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 not reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to manage the current over-capacity situation for new entrants? How does the recent Good inspection influence current teaching strategies?
What Ofsted said about Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Voluntary Academy
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Voluntary Academy has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school continues to provide a high-quality education where pupils are “safe and enjoy coming to school,” with leaders demonstrating “high ambitions” that are successfully realised.
Strengths
- Pupils “behave well and are considerate towards others,” showing a clear understanding of how their actions affect those around them.
- The early years provision is “carefully considered,” with staff using “effective questioning” to help children progress confidently into Year 1.
- Reading instruction is strong; staff are “well trained to teach phonics” and deliver the programme “consistently well,” ensuring pupils become “confident, fluent readers.”
- The curriculum is “purposeful and engaging,” with content “carefully sequenced” to support developing understanding and address misconceptions.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “successful and achieve well” due to precise support and collaboration with external experts.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, activities are “not as closely matched to their next steps in learning,” meaning some pupils are “not learning as much as they could be.” The school should ensure activities more closely support continued development.
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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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