Sacred Heart Catholic School
Paignton, TQ3 2SH · Torbay · primary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 30 primary schools in Torbay we can score, 31 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 — 5.1/10 against 2,880 of them, against 4.7/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| 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.
Sacred Heart Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 13.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join dance, ukuleles, crafts and choir clubs, or play basketball, netball, gymnastics and football. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 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 below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical afternoon look like for a child joining the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sacred Heart Catholic School
Overview
Sacred Heart Catholic School continues to be a good school, offering an inclusive environment where pupils are valued and behave well. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum and a nurturing culture that fosters positive relationships between staff, pupils, and parents.
Strengths
- Pupils thrive in a "nurturing culture" where they live up to values such as "kindness, compassion, peace, integrity, justice, courage and forgiveness."
- The curriculum is "ambitious and engaging," with careful planning to build on prior knowledge, particularly in mathematics where pupils develop fluency and confidence.
- Leaders have successfully prioritised "oracy," encouraging pupils to speak in full sentences and think deeply about their learning across all subjects.
- Reading is highly prioritised, with effective phonics sessions and close monitoring to support those at risk of falling behind, fostering a "love of it throughout the school."
- Staff feel valued and supported, with leaders paying careful attention to workload and ensuring a positive working environment.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, the precise knowledge pupils need to know and remember has not been identified precisely enough, limiting deep understanding.
- Leaders should support subject leaders to securely embed key knowledge so pupils can learn and remember more effectively in these areas.
- The report notes that pupils and parents are eager for a "more wide-ranging choice of lunch and after-school clubs."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff who are vigilant, well-trained, and maintain the belief that "it could happen here" to ensure children are protected.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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