St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Retford, DN22 7BP · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
58th of 229 primary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score, 286 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 — 7.5/10 against 3,727 of them, against 7.0/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Mini Vinnies club, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 224 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 provided for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How is the Mini Vinnies club structured within the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Overview
St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming environment where pupils enjoy their learning and feel safe. The report highlights an ambitious curriculum, strong subject leadership, and exceptional behaviour, with pupils described as ‘responsible’ and ‘respectful’.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘exceptional’ behaviour and a ‘calm atmosphere’ throughout the school, with high expectations for work and conduct.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and logically sequenced, with regular checks helping teachers identify and address misconceptions across all subjects.
- Reading is prioritised effectively; the school is ‘quick to spot’ pupils struggling with phonics and provides immediate support, ensuring all pupils achieve success.
- Mathematics teaching builds understanding in ‘small steps’, with teachers adapting plans to ensure no pupil falls behind.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive ‘effective support’ to achieve well in line with their peers.
Areas to improve
- The school must establish clear processes to communicate workload management strategies to all staff, as current measures are ‘not yet fully effective’ and some staff remain concerned.
- Plans for teaching fundamental British values are ‘not yet fully developed’, leaving some pupils without an ‘age-appropriate depth of understanding’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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