St Columba's Catholic Primary School
Liverpool, L36 8BL · Knowsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
31st of 48 primary schools in Knowsley we can score, 50 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 — 4.5/10 against 949 of them, against 3.3/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 62% | 1.36 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
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 overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 224 pupils against a stated capacity of 249. 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 literacy? What are the specific entry criteria for the next academic year? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse needs of the student body?
What Ofsted said about St Columba's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Columba’s Catholic Primary School is described as a “very happy school” where pupils “thrive in a safe oasis of calm.” The inspection highlights an “ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum” that supports pupils’ academic, social, and emotional development, with particular praise for personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils are “cooperative,” “self-disciplined,” and learn to be “considerate,” benefiting from an “excellent range of opportunities” including extra-curricular clubs and roles such as librarians.
- The school prepares pupils “exceptionally well to be responsible, respectful British citizens” through rich knowledge of topics like equality and careers.
- Staff accurately identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they have an “equal chance to succeed” and helping them overcome “considerable obstacles.”
- Early years provision is strong, with “well-considered links” to other settings helping new children settle and flourish.
- Staff workload is carefully considered, and the governing body “challenges and supports the work of the school well.”
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure pupils retain “essential information from their previous learning” so that new knowledge builds on a “secure understanding.”
- Attendance remains an issue, as “too many still miss days at school,” negatively affecting learning; the school should strengthen work with parents to ensure good attendance.
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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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