St Joseph's Catholic Primary School - a Catholic voluntary academy
Pickering, YO18 8AR · North Yorkshire · primary school
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172nd of 252 primary schools in North Yorkshire we can score, 290 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 — 2.6/10 against 2,046 of them, against 2.5/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| 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 Primary School - a Catholic voluntary academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Boxercise, Choir, and Pilates clubs, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 84 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 to move from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School - a Catholic voluntary academy
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as “friendly, happy and feel safe.” Leaders strive to create an environment where everyone can succeed, with particular success in supporting pupils who have had “difficult educational experiences elsewhere.” The school is praised for its calm, orderly atmosphere and the strong positive relationships between staff, pupils, and parents.
Strengths
- Pupils are supported exceptionally well, particularly those joining in key stage 2, with their “future educational opportunities... transformed.”
- Behaviour is excellent, with bullying being “rare” and adults dealing with any incidents “quickly and effectively.”
- The curriculum is carefully planned to prepare pupils for secondary school, with “expert knowledge” in most subjects and creative approaches to mixed-age teaching.
- Phonics teaching is effective, with most pupils reading with accuracy and accessing “bespoke and effective” interventions when needed.
- Parents and carers are “hugely positive” about the school, feeling their children are well supported by the headteacher and staff.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must develop systems to better understand the impact of the curriculum on pupils’ learning, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as current monitoring is limited.
- Teachers need greater confidence to pause and allow additional practice before moving on, as pupils are sometimes advanced to new learning before they are ready.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving up-to-date training and leaders working effectively with external agencies to ensure pupils receive the right support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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