St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School
Chesterfield, S43 3LY · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
140th of 263 primary schools in Derbyshire we can score, 354 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 — 4.2/10 against 2,013 of them, against 3.6/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
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's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 181 pupils against a stated capacity of 166. 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 reached the higher standard in core subjects? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between expected and higher standards?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic and CofE (VA) Primary School continues to be a good school, described as an "inclusive and happy school where pupils succeed." Leaders have created an ethos that "nurtures and supports pupils," with high aspirations for all. While reading and mathematics are taught effectively, the curriculum in some foundation subjects lacks clarity, preventing pupils from gaining the intended knowledge.
Strengths
- Pupils are happy, feel safe, and behave very well, with bullying being rare and incidents dealt with quickly.
- Reading is a priority; staff demonstrate "high levels of expertise" in phonics, helping pupils build confidence and fluency from Reception.
- The mathematics curriculum "logically builds pupils’ learning over time," with teachers having strong subject knowledge and high expectations.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively to learn alongside peers, with appropriate curriculum adaptations.
- Parents and carers are "overwhelmingly positive," describing the school as a place where pupils are "encouraged to achieve and succeed with support and nurture."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must identify key knowledge in foundation subjects so teachers know exactly what to teach at each stage, ensuring pupils’ learning builds securely.
- A consistent approach to checking pupils’ learning in foundation subjects is needed so teachers can address gaps or misconceptions.
- The curriculum for personal development must provide more opportunities to learn about different cultures and develop a secure understanding of British values.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, underpinned by a strong culture where staff receive regular training and are swift to act on concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 85% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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