St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Barking, IG11 7AR · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
Check the area around this school
7th of 39 primary schools in Barking and Dagenham we can score, 44 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 — 9.8/10 against 2,257 of them, against 9.4/10 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 | 83.0 · 92 | 40% | 3.67 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 28.0 · 97 | 25% | 2.43 |
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 overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 28.0% 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 (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 242 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 support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or clubs are available for Year 6?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms the school remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The school fosters a ‘distinct sense of family and belonging’ where pupils are ‘kind and respectful’ and feel safe. Leaders maintain high expectations, ensuring pupils are well-prepared socially, emotionally, and academically for their future.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘well organised’, with leaders identifying ‘key facts’ pupils must learn from Nursery to Year 6, supported by ‘regular and consistent routines’.
- Teachers possess ‘strong subject knowledge’, promptly resolving misconceptions and adapting teaching so that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils ‘achieve highly’.
- Reading is taught effectively from the earliest opportunity; pupils ‘swiftly develop their reading skills’ and learn to ‘decode and blend sounds’ with confidence.
- Pupils enjoy an ‘extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities’, including sporting competitions and roles such as ‘eco-warriors’ and ‘pupil chaplains’.
- Staff feel ‘well supported by leaders’, valuing the training, career development opportunities, and encouragement to achieve a ‘healthy work–life balance’.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with clear processes to record attendance and support pupils who are regularly absent.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 81% |
| 2024/25 | 83% |
| 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 IG11 7AR, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT