St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School
Portsmouth, PO1 1PX · Portsmouth · primary school
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1st of 32 primary schools in Portsmouth we can score, 45 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 — 9.4/10 against 2,671 of them, against 8.6/10 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 | 83.0 · 92 | 40% | 3.69 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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's Cathedral Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Multi Skills Club, Scripture, Prayer, Play Club, Football Club, Choir, and Ukulele Club. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 237 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about St John's Cathedral Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school with a “calm, joyful and purposeful” atmosphere where pupils behave extremely well and take “great delight in learning.” Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a close-knit community characterised by respect, honesty, and compassion. The school provides a broad curriculum with strong personal development opportunities, though some inconsistencies exist in subject teaching and reading support.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit “Outstanding” behaviour and attitudes, forming a diverse community with high levels of mutual respect and a clear sense of justice.
- Early years provision is “Outstanding,” with no limits placed on children’s learning and strong prioritisation of language acquisition.
- Staff are “highly dedicated and well trained,” adapting the curriculum effectively to ensure pupils with special educational needs make strong progress.
- Personal development is highly valued, with pupils benefiting from a “considerable range of opportunities” including arts, sport, and extra-curricular activities.
- Leaders and governors sustain “very strong relationships with parents,” who are appreciative of the school’s high ambitions for all pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure all elements of the curriculum are “equally very effective,” as pupils’ learning is stronger in some subjects than others.
- Support for weaker readers needs improvement, specifically ensuring books used to practise phonics are “matched to their phonic knowledge closely enough.”
- Governors and leaders must establish clear processes for managing staff workload, as current strategies are “not yet fully effective” and expectations are not widely understood.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being knowledgeable about risks and swift to identify, record, and report them.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 83% |
| 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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