Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Barrow
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2BA · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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79th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.9/10 against 2,062 of them, against 1.1/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| 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.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Barrow overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in invasion, net, wall, strike and field games, gymnastics, dance, outdoor and adventure activities, and swimming. The school offers an OAA residential trip, a House Sports Day, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 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 have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children aiming to reach the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Barrow
Overview
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy and enjoy their learning. The report highlights that most pupils rise to high expectations, with strong provision for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. Despite ongoing premises issues, the school has maintained continuity in education, ensuring pupils achieve well across a range of subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils are happy, behave well, and respect differences, understanding the school’s mission of treating people fairly.
- The curriculum is suitably broad and ambitious, with carefully chosen texts fostering a love of reading through activities like ‘book group’ sessions.
- Staff have strong subject knowledge and provide clear explanations, particularly in subjects where the curriculum is well thought out.
- The school identifies SEND needs quickly and works effectively with external professionals and parents to support these pupils.
- Pupils benefit from wider development opportunities, including charity work and roles such as ‘mini police’, which help them become responsible citizens.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the school has not determined the specific knowledge and skills pupils should learn, resulting in gaps in their understanding.
- Support for a minority of pupils struggling with early reading is not always effective, hindering their progress towards fluency and accuracy.
- Too many pupils remain persistently absent, missing out on important learning and wider experiences; the school must fully implement its attendance strategy.
Safeguarding
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 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 18% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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