St Joseph Catholic Primary School
Watford, WD19 7DW · Hertfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
81st of 337 primary schools in Hertfordshire we can score, 398 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 5.5/10 against 4,083 of them, against 5.7/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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 Joseph Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 239 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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
With 1 place currently spare, how does the school manage waiting lists for future entry years? How does the curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help in maths?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Joseph Catholic Primary School continues to be an outstanding school, where pupils are "really proud" and feel safe due to the consistent application of the rule to ‘be kind’. The school delivers a "broad and rich curriculum" that develops pupils’ interests and talents, ensuring they are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Leaders have developed "well-constructed and ambitious curriculum plans" that detail small steps of knowledge, enabling pupils to achieve "exceptionally well".
- Staff are "well trained" and provide "considerable clarity" in explanations, regularly checking understanding to ensure most pupils can ‘keep up’ in every lesson.
- Reading has the "highest priority across the school", with staff being "relentless" in ensuring all pupils develop the skills to read with independence.
- The early years staff are skilled at creating engaging activities that "excite the children" and extend language development, preparing pupils well for Year 1.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) experience "high levels of success" thanks to accurate identification of learning needs and tailored support.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being well trained to identify risks and using clear systems to report concerns quickly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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