St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Sale, M33 3AF · Trafford · primary school
Check the area around this school
6th of 55 primary schools in Trafford we can score, 63 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 — 9.2/10 against 2,499 of them, against 9.5/10 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 | 85.0 · 94 | 62% | 5.77 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 25.0 · 96 | 38% | 3.69 |
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, 85.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 25.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 437 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 manage class sizes when operating above its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How does the academy structure affect day-to-day decision-making for parents?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Overview
This is the first routine inspection of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School under the current framework, following its conversion to academy status. The report describes a school where pupils “thrive in this large school that fosters a nurturing, family atmosphere” and are “exceptionally polite.” Leaders and staff maintain “high ambition for every pupil,” resulting in excellent outcomes across all areas of school life.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully designed to help pupils “connect learning deeply over time within and between subjects.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities “flourish,” with staff swiftly identifying needs and adapting activities effectively.
- Early years provision is highly effective, with children joining in with “great joy” and staff expertly teaching phonics.
- Personal development is supported through enrichment opportunities, such as visits to museums and community projects, which “fire pupils’ imaginations.”
- Staff are “highly skilled” and check learning effectively to address misconceptions, ensuring pupils “learn exceptionally well over time.”
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that the school has created an open culture that puts pupils’ interests first.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 85% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of M33 3AF, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT