St. John the Baptist Catholic Primary School
Normanton, WF6 2HZ · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
76th of 98 primary schools in Wakefield we can score, 113 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 4,255 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9/10 among them, against 2.1/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| 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. John the Baptist Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% 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 January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9 out of 10 among them, against 2.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Art Club, Mini Vinnies, the Eco Council, School Council, and Pupil Mentors. Sports include cross country, orienteering, forestry, and swimming. Trips visit Hepworth, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Robin Hood’s Bay. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 221 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 provided to help pupils bridge the gap to the national median in literacy? How are the named clubs and sports scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about St. John the Baptist Catholic Primary School
Overview
St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "strong sense of community" where pupils are "happy and safe." The report highlights high staff expectations, positive relationships, and a "broad and ambitious" curriculum that supports all learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy reading and become "confident, fluent readers" through well-matched books and daily practice.
- The school is "truly inclusive," with clear strategies and effective interventions for pupils with SEND.
- Families are "extremely positive," particularly praising support for vulnerable children.
- Staff benefit from effective trust support, resulting in well-managed workloads and strong subject knowledge.
- The personal, social and health education curriculum is "well-thought-through," fostering respectful attitudes.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects and the early years, the curriculum lacks clarity on the "most important knowledge," making it harder for staff to check pupil retention.
- The school should refine the curriculum to ensure "consistent clarity and detail within and across all subjects."
Safeguarding
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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