St John Fisher Catholic Primary School
Widnes, WA8 0BW · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 — 4.8/10 against 2,204 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John Fisher Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% 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%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join an Extra Club and participate in swimming, Quidditch, and Sports Day. Arts activities include the Christmas Concert, Instrumental Play Day, and Spring Concert. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 204 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 are included in the Extra Club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St John Fisher Catholic Primary School
Overview
St John Fisher Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as "happy, polite and well-mannered." Leaders have created an "ambitious curriculum" that supports high expectations for learning, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The school provides a calm environment where bullying is dealt with "swiftly and effectively," allowing pupils to focus on their education.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and secure, with staff addressing any incidents of unkindness promptly.
- Leaders prioritise reading, ensuring staff deliver phonics "effectively and with consistency" and immerse pupils in high-quality texts.
- Staff are well-equipped to identify and support pupils with SEND, carefully adapting curriculum delivery to ensure they achieve well.
- Governors hold leaders to account diligently, and staff report that leaders support their workload and well-being.
- Pupils develop a "well-informed respect for cultural diversity" through a well-designed personal, social and health education curriculum.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, leaders have not considered carefully enough the specific knowledge steps pupils need, hindering teachers’ ability to deliver the curriculum as intended.
- Some subject leaders lack clarity on what children in the early years should learn in readiness for Year 1, which hinders the design of suitable learning activities.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being well trained and alert to risks, and pupils knowing they can talk to a trusted adult.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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