St Columba's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Bradford, BD4 9PY · Bradford · primary school
Check the area around this school
90th of 156 primary schools in Bradford we can score, 157 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 — 4.4/10 against 1,469 of them, against 3.5/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Columba's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a basketball club and an art club. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 420 pupils against a stated capacity of 389. 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
Since the higher standard attainment is 4.0% compared to the national 7%, what specific support is offered to pupils aiming for that level? How does the school balance the academic curriculum with the time allocated to the basketball and art clubs?
What Ofsted said about St Columba's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Overview
The report states that “everyone receives a warm welcome” and pupils “show respect to each other and to adults” within a safe environment rooted in the school’s Catholic ethos. Leaders have “redesigned its curriculum” to improve attainment, with particular success in mathematics and early years provision. While most inspection areas are rated Good, the report identifies specific inconsistencies in curriculum planning and vocabulary support that require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate strong behaviour, applying five chosen virtues such as knowing that to ‘be wise’ means to “pay attention and listen”.
- The early years provision enables children from two years old to access activities that “stimulate play and exploration” with sensitive adult support.
- Mathematics teaching is effective, with “crucial knowledge... mapped” and many opportunities for pupils to “deepen and apply their mathematical knowledge”.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “bespoke learning support” and are supported to “access the same work as their peers”.
- Staff well-being is prioritised, with leaders carefully considering the “impact on staff workload” when introducing new initiatives.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that “sequences of learning in each subject are clear” because, in some subjects, the school has not planned out the small steps of content.
- The school should ensure that “knowledge mats reflect the essential vocabulary for each unit of learning” to match the subject-specific words identified in its progression structure.
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 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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