St John Rigby Catholic Primary School
Bedford, MK41 9DQ · Bedford · primary school
Check the area around this school
30th of 50 primary schools in Bedford we can score, 55 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 4,250 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2/10 among them, against 2.4/10 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 | 49.0 · 17 | 40% | 0.69 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
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 Rigby Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2 out of 10 among them, against 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 268 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 expected standard in literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in results?
What Ofsted said about St John Rigby Catholic Primary School
Overview
St John Rigby Catholic Primary School is described as a "happy school" where pupils enjoy "warm, trusting relationships" with staff and peers. The inspection confirms that the school provides a "nurturing place to learn" with strong governance and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Reading is a clear priority, with a "structured, sequential" curriculum that helps pupils become "confident, fluent reader[s]".
- The early years provision is "well thought out," ensuring children are "well prepared for the next stage of their learning".
- Pupils with SEND are "well supported" through adapted curricula and individualised timetables.
- Staff prioritise pupils’ mental well-being, using weekly assemblies to explore emotions and maintain systems for pupils to express how they are feeling.
- Governance is "strong," with the local academy council actively challenging and supporting the school’s development.
Areas to improve
- In a "small minority of foundation subjects," subject leaders must clarify how learning components fit together to sequence the curriculum effectively.
- The school must ensure all staff consistently reinforce high expectations for behaviour to prevent "low-level disruption" from wasting learning time.
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 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 49% |
| 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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