St Charles Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy
Swadlincote, DE12 7LQ · Leicestershire · primary school
Check the area around this school
73rd of 215 primary schools in Leicestershire we can score, 231 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 — 6.2/10 against 3,182 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Charles Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 136 pupils against a stated capacity of 125. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How does the curriculum adapt for the 10.0% who aim for the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about St Charles Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Charles Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy is confirmed as a ‘good school’ where pupils describe life as ‘a good place to be’. The report highlights a ‘friendly’ environment with ‘polite and respectful’ pupils who benefit from a strong reading culture and clear curriculum foundations. However, inconsistencies in teaching methods and limited knowledge of diversity hinder some pupils’ progress.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘polite and respectful’, with bullying being ‘rare’ and concerns addressed quickly by staff.
- A ‘buzz’ in the reading culture sees pupils engaging with real authors and learning to read fluently.
- Leaders establish ‘high standards alongside Catholic faith values’, ensuring essential knowledge is clearly identified.
- Staff work well together, with leaders actively supporting their ‘well-being and welfare’ and workload.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘included in all aspects of school life’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all staff have the ‘necessary knowledge and expertise’ to deliver the curriculum effectively, particularly for SEND pupils and in the early years, as current inconsistencies ‘slow down pupils’ learning’.
- Leaders must improve pupils’ ‘understanding of diversity and communities in modern Britain’ to better prepare them for life in contemporary society.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a ‘strong culture of care’ where staff are ‘vigilant’ and respond quickly to concerns to ensure pupils are safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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