St Francis Catholic Primary School
Walsall, WS4 1RH · Walsall · primary school
Check the area around this school
22nd of 60 primary schools in Walsall we can score, 85 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 — 6.5/10 against 2,441 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 41% | 2.32 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.76 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 26% | 1.29 |
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 Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join sign language and dance clubs, or participate in athletics and football.
Getting in
The published school roll is 207 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 steps are taken to maintain the Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Francis Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Francis Catholic Primary School is described as a "calm school" where pupils behave very well and respect others. The report highlights high expectations in English and mathematics, resulting in strong standards, though curriculum planning in other subjects is less consistent. Leaders are committed to further improvement, particularly in refining the curriculum across all areas.
Strengths
- Pupils are "kind to each other" and "keen to do the right thing," with bullying "not accepted."
- Standards in reading, writing, and mathematics are "usually high" due to focused practice and a "consistent, effective approach to teaching reading."
- Staff are "kind, firm and fair," and governors are "active in their support" for the school.
- Computing and geography are taught with "clear and well organised" guidance, ensuring knowledge is "clearly defined and well sequenced."
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is "not yet sufficiently coherently planned and sequenced in some subjects," particularly where cross-curricular links dilute subject-specific content.
- Curriculum guidance in foundation subjects like history, art, and design and technology lacks clarity on what pupils "need to know and remember," leading to coverage of too much extra content.
- Short-term arrangements for some pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "not ideal," limiting aspects of their school experience.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "thorough approach" where staff report concerns in a timely way and leaders share important messages to help adults and pupils spot risks.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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