St Helen's Catholic Primary School
Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 7AY · Southend-on-Sea · primary school
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23rd of 27 primary schools in Southend-on-Sea we can score, 33 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 the 3,927 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7/10 among 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Helen's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7 out of 10 among them, against 3.5 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 420 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 national median in literacy and numeracy? What specific strategies are used to help students reach the higher standard in maths? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll matches the total capacity?
What Ofsted said about St Helen's Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where "a culture of mutual respect flows through the school," creating a "warm and welcoming environment." Pupils are "polite and friendly," and adults maintain "high expectations" that pupils consistently meet. The inspection found that leaders provide a curriculum designed for success, with effective support for early reading and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour, guided by the mantra of "kind hands, kind feet, kind words," resulting in a "calm and orderly" atmosphere where bullying is rare.
- Early reading is taught effectively, with adults delivering the phonics programme well; pupils who struggled due to pandemic disruption are now "catching up rapidly."
- Personal development is "well-considered," helping pupils understand healthy relationships and mental health through activities like charity fundraising and the "Rainbow Room."
- Reception children are taught to be independent and are "well prepared for their move to Year 1" through skilled adult questioning and vocabulary building.
- Teachers receive "appropriate training" and support, with leaders considering workload when making changes to practice.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must "clearly identify" important knowledge in a small number of subjects where pupils currently do not develop detailed understanding.
- Leaders should ensure records provide "accurate information" on how pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) achieve, to allow for better evaluation of provision.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify risks and leaders following up concerns quickly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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