St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
St Helens, WA9 5BT · St. Helens · primary school
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19th of 52 primary schools in St. Helens we can score, 54 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 — 8.8/10 against 3,004 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
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 Vianney Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools). The May 2026 inspection used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a Homework Club, play tennis, or participate in dance and choir. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 195 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 new inspection framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about St John Vianney Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "proud to attend" and feel part of a "loving school community" that is "like one big family." Most aspects of the school’s provision meet the "expected standard," with particular praise for the early years, inclusive support for disadvantaged pupils, and high-quality pastoral care. However, the inspection identifies specific weaknesses in phonics teaching and leadership oversight that require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils behave with "care and kindness," demonstrating "high levels of respect" and thriving in a "calm and welcoming environment."
- The early years curriculum provides a "successful start," with staff skilfully adapting activities to help children build "confidence and independence."
- Staff provide "well-thought-out support" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the curriculum alongside peers.
- Disadvantaged pupils benefit from "skilful use of additional funding," developing a "love of reading" through targeted support.
- Attendance rates have improved and are now "broadly in line with the national average" due to effective interventions.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff are "suitably equipped to deliver the phonics programme consistently well" so pupils gain necessary reading knowledge by the end of Year 2.
- Leaders and governors need a deeper understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses to "prioritise the right actions" for improvement.
- The personal development programme should be further developed to give pupils a "deeper understanding of fundamental British values."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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