St Francis Catholic and Church of England Primary Academy
Ventnor, PO38 1BQ · Isle of Wight · primary school
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19th of 35 primary schools in Isle of Wight we can score, 36 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.8/10 against 1,814 of them, against 2.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 41% | 0.99 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.71 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 26% | 0.76 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Francis Catholic and Church of England Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% 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%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2022.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How has the teaching approach changed since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Francis Catholic and Church of England Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where staff share a "determination for all pupils to achieve well," fostering an environment where pupils are "happy and feel safe." Leaders have successfully built pupils’ "confidence and resilience," resulting in high achievement across subjects and a strong sense of community where "everyone is equal."
Strengths
- Reading instruction is "effective," particularly in Reception, with staff closely following a phonics scheme and providing targeted support for those needing extra help.
- The curriculum in mathematics is "well-ordered," giving children a "secure foundation" through confident use of number vocabulary.
- The school is "inclusive," with "swiftly identified" needs for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) leading to effective support and high achievement.
- Behaviour is managed with "high expectations" and a "consistent and positive approach," ensuring learning is "rarely disrupted."
- Staff feel "valued by leaders" and benefit from professional development, while leaders receive "sharply focused support" from the multi-academy trust.
Areas to improve
- Subject leaders must "precisely identify the most important knowledge and skills" they want pupils to learn, as current plans are not accurate enough to build on prior learning.
- Leaders should equip subject leaders with skills to "check that all pupils have learned and remembered" the intended curriculum, rather than just verifying that plans were followed.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a culture "firmly focused on pupils’ and families’ welfare" and staff who report concerns promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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