St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Bradford, BD5 0RB · Bradford · primary school
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129th of 156 primary schools in Bradford we can score, 157 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 — 1.2/10 against 2,056 of them, against 1.3/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 40% | 0.60 |
| 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 Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% 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% of pupils, 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 (1.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Dance, Multiskills with Bradford City, Mrs Marshall's Games Club, Cheerleading, Mr Milnes Nurture/Scooter Club, Bradford City Football Club, and Art Club. Trips include visits to Buckden, Malham cove, Whitby, Nell Bank, city park, big red bridge, the farm, and the seaside. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 342 pupils against a stated capacity of 350. 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 not reaching the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children progress towards the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school. Leaders have created an inclusive environment where pupils thrive, demonstrating positive attitudes to learning and strong character development. The curriculum is well-designed, with particular strengths in mathematics and geography, though specific improvements are required in early reading instruction.
Strengths
- Pupils display "positive attitudes to learning," are "polite, friendly and engaging," and feel safe within the school community.
- The curriculum is "relatable and engaging," with content carefully selected to celebrate pupils' culture and ensure knowledge is revisited for retention.
- Mathematics provision is "well planned and well taught," allowing pupils to develop fluency and apply knowledge to complex problems.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved, with skilled support helping to "remove any barriers to learning."
- Staff are "happy at the school" and feel well supported by leaders, who actively consider workload and provide targeted assistance.
Areas to improve
- Staff must place greater emphasis on ensuring pupils recognise sounds automatically to develop reading fluency.
- Leaders should ensure all staff support pupils to learn phonics to "automaticity" so they can read with increasing confidence.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained in all aspects and systems for reporting concerns well established.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 51% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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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