St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Tadcaster, LS24 9JG · North Yorkshire · primary school
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235th 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 — 0.1/10 against 2,295 of them, against 0.4/10 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 | 11.0 · 0 | 40% | 0.01 |
| 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, 11.0% 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 (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs including choir, dance, gymnastics, gardening, and arts and crafts. Trips include local learning walks, galleries, museums, sports tournaments, panto trips, and outdoor adventurous residentials. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 87 pupils against a stated capacity of 135. 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 core subjects? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in reading and maths? How does the school ensure that the wide range of extracurricular activities remains accessible to all pupils?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Overview
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The report describes a school where pupils are motivated, settle happily into routines, and feel supported by trusted adults. Leaders have successfully maintained a positive ethos while implementing curriculum improvements over the last 18 months.
Strengths
- Pupils are "keen to do well" and benefit from a new behaviour approach that has had a "positive impact on behaviour around the school."
- The curriculum is now "carefully mapped out from the early years to Year 6," with staff clear on the order in which pupils should learn subject content.
- Reading is a priority, with daily phonics lessons and effective support ensuring most pupils can read with "increasing fluency and confidence by the end of Year 2."
- The school "quickly identifies pupils’ additional needs" and provides a "nurturing space" for those requiring support with social, emotional, and mental health.
- Staff welfare is well managed, with the "vast majority of staff" feeling positive and proud to work at the school.
Areas to improve
- Staff do not consistently check pupils’ understanding of key knowledge, meaning some pupils are moved on to new learning before previous knowledge is secure. The school should ensure staff "accurately check what pupils know at different stages of learning."
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 11% |
| 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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