St Johns Church of England Primary School
Canterbury, CT1 1BD · Kent · primary school
Check the area around this school
337th of 425 primary schools in Kent we can score, 460 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 — 2.9/10 against 1,294 of 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| 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 Johns Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school’s figure was 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 427 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
Since the expected standard in core subjects is below the national median, what specific support is available for pupils who need extra help? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about St Johns Church of England Primary School
Overview
St John’s is described as a diverse school where pupils feel valued, respected, and safe within a culture of mutual respect rooted in its Christian ethos. The report states that the overall effectiveness of the school is Good, with strong relationships between staff and pupils and a focus on personal development and well-being.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an "aspirational" curriculum that is inclusive for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and English as an additional language (EAL).
- Staff provide "impressive support for speech and vocabulary" beginning in Nursery, helping pupils access learning successfully.
- Phonics teaching is precise, with staff closely checking understanding to help pupils learn to read accurately.
- The school prioritises pupils’ mental health, ensuring everyone feels "valued and cared for" while promoting safety online and in the community.
- Staff workload and well-being are considered, meaning staff feel "valued and supported to improve their teaching."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, staff do not routinely revisit earlier learning or identify gaps in understanding, hindering pupils’ long-term retention of knowledge.
- Not all pupils have developed into "fluent and accurate readers," requiring continued prioritisation of reading instruction.
- Attendance remains low for some pupils, particularly disadvantaged children, meaning they miss out on important learning.
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 | 34% |
| 2023/24 | 27% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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