St Alban's Catholic Academy
Harlow, CM20 2NP · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
292nd of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,208 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0/10 among them, against 3.1/10 nationally. 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Alban's Catholic Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0 out of 10 among them, against 3.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir or take guitar tuition, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 227 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 17, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? Since the similar-intake comparison shows a lower score than the national average, what specific support is in place to raise attainment in maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the curriculum for pupils who attend?
What Ofsted said about St Alban's Catholic Academy
Overview
St Alban’s Catholic Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school provides a supportive and nurturing environment where pupils thrive, demonstrating high levels of engagement, politeness, and respect for one another. Leaders have implemented an ambitious curriculum that prepares children well for their future learning, supported by strong staff morale and effective governance.
Strengths
- Pupils are polite, friendly, and engage well in conversations, taking pride in their achievements within an inclusive community.
- The curriculum is ambitious with a strong foundation in the early years, using effective questioning and vocabulary modelling to extend understanding.
- Reading is a clear priority; phonics are delivered effectively, ensuring most children become confident and fluent readers by the end of Year 4.
- Needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified promptly, with adapted learning allowing them to study alongside peers and achieve well.
- Staff workload and well-being are prioritised, resulting in high morale and appreciation for training opportunities.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure that pupils who speak English as an additional language can read with fluency and understanding to access the ambitious curriculum and maximise their potential.
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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