St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
, CO12 3SU · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
288th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 4,199 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7/10 among them, against 3.2/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
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 Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7 out of 10 among them, against 3.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Nurture Club and Zen Den, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 114 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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 school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place in the Zen Den? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, serving its local community well with a "tight-knit community where every child is cherished." Pupils feel safe, behave well, and value diversity, while staff maintain high expectations for learning within a broad and ambitious curriculum.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with teachers demonstrating "good subject knowledge" and clear expectations for the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary pupils must learn.
- Early reading is a strong feature; staff are "precise in their teaching of phonics," ensuring pupils quickly gain confidence and receive necessary support.
- Staff "adapt the curriculum effectively" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), using external specialists and strategies that parents find highly appreciative.
- Behaviour is excellent, with little bullying and pupils who "show respect for one another in their kind behaviour."
- Leaders prioritise staff well-being, working as a team to support workload and streamline processes.
Areas to improve
- In a few foundation subjects, assessment strategies are at an "earlier stage of development," meaning teachers are less clear about which aspects of learning pupils are less secure in. Leaders should develop these strategies so teachers have a clear view of pupil retention.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff who "know pupils well," receive regular training, and report concerns in a timely manner.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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