St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Brindle
Preston, PR5 0DQ · Lancashire · primary school
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53rd of 448 primary schools in Lancashire we can score, 481 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 — 9.1/10 against 3,260 of them, against 8.4/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| 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, Brindle overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs including Choir, Jam Coding, Musical Theatre, and Mini Vinnies. Sports cover basketball, gymnastics, hockey, and football. Trips include Forest School sessions and a Year 6 residential. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 83 pupils against a stated capacity of 120. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What does a typical Forest School session involve for younger children? How is the after-school club structured for key stage 1 pupils?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Brindle
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “small and mighty school” where pupils “thoroughly enjoy attending” and benefit from a culture of safety and high expectations. Overall, the school continues to provide a strong education with effective leadership and positive behaviour.
Strengths
- The school has a “coherent and ambitious curriculum” with a “sharp focus” on early communication, reading, and mathematics.
- Pupils “behave exceptionally well,” are “kind and well mannered,” and are “well prepared for life outside of school” through enrichment opportunities.
- Staff are “adept at checking what pupils have learned” and use this information to address misconceptions quickly.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is timely and effective, allowing them to be “confident and successful alongside their peers.”
- Attendance rates are high due to rigorous tracking and support for families when attendance falls.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure timely support is in place so that “disadvantaged pupils achieve as well as their peers in all subjects,” as their needs are not fully met in some areas.
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 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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