St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Oldbury, B69 4BA · Sandwell · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 84 primary schools in Sandwell we can score, 93 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 — 8.0/10 against 2,480 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 62% | 4.19 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 38% | 2.72 |
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 Xavier Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 11.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 188 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
With 22 places currently available, how does the school manage class sizes if demand rises next year? Since the school is Catholic, what are the specific admission criteria for non-Catholic families? How does the curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School “really enjoy their learning” and benefit from high attendance and strong staff support for their mental and physical health. The school has successfully addressed previous weaknesses, particularly in writing, through strategic action and effective staff training. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, fostering a “calm and purposeful” environment where behaviour is excellent.
Strengths
- Reading is a “very high priority,” with pupils following a structured phonics programme and reading frequently to adults.
- Staff use questioning effectively to check understanding and fix misconceptions quickly, ensuring strong learning of key knowledge.
- Pupils with SEND are identified promptly and make “effective progress through the full curriculum.”
- The school offers a well-designed programme of social and personal education, helping pupils understand diversity and stay safe.
- Leaders work closely with parents, who “greatly appreciate all that the school provides.”
Areas to improve
- Pupils who grasp key knowledge quickly are “sometimes not given the opportunity to deepen their understanding,” meaning they do not fully benefit from the challenging curriculum.
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 | 37% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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