St Bede's Catholic Junior School
WIDNES, WA8 6EL · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.5/10 against 2,194 of them, against 6.2/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Bede's Catholic Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 19.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Book Club, Weaving, German, Choir, Taekwando, Rugby, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 306 pupils against a stated capacity of 300. 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 6, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? How does the curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available during the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about St Bede's Catholic Junior School
Overview
Evidence from this ungraded inspection suggests the school’s work has “improved significantly across all areas” since its previous inspection. Consequently, the next inspection will be a graded one. The report paints a picture of a school where pupils “thrive academically, socially and emotionally” and feel “happy and safe.”
Strengths
- The “ambitious curriculum” is ordered logically, helping pupils build knowledge well and achieve attainment “significantly above the national average” in core subjects.
- Teachers possess “strong subject knowledge” and deliver lessons “skilfully and consistently well,” using checks to resolve misconceptions and ensure smooth progress.
- Reading is given the “highest priority,” with high-quality texts visible in every classroom and quick support for those who find it difficult.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified quickly and supported effectively, ensuring they follow the same curriculum and “achieve well.”
- Behaviour is described as “exceptionally strong,” with pupils engaging fully in learning and contributing keenly to discussions in “calm, focused and positive” classrooms.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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