St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Christchurch
Christchurch, BH23 3DA · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · primary school
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11th of 50 primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 66 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 — 9.0/10 against 2,295 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
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, Christchurch overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 15.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Quidditch, Curling, Boccia, Archery, and Water sports, alongside adventure days out. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 199 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the adventure days out? How does the after-school club structure its sessions for different age groups?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Christchurch
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a nurturing community where pupils are polite, kind, and respectful. The school maintains high expectations, fostering a purposeful and calm learning atmosphere that supports pupils’ happiness and safety.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘impeccable manners’ and treat adults with ‘utmost respect’, contributing to positive relationships and harmonious play.
- The curriculum is ‘broad and ambitious’, with reading placed ‘at the front and centre’; skilled adults deliver effective phonics lessons and quickly identify pupils at risk of falling behind.
- Teachers adapt learning effectively for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, using additional ‘scaffolds’ to help them progress well.
- Pupils develop character and confidence through a wide range of opportunities, including local competitions, residential trips, and leadership roles such as house captains.
- Assessment in reading and mathematics is ‘well established and effective’, using ‘in the moment’ feedback to address misconceptions.
Areas to improve
- Assessment in the wider curriculum is ‘less well developed’, meaning the school lacks an accurate understanding of knowledge gaps, causing some pupils to struggle recalling previous learning.
- The school must ensure assessment is used to check pupils’ understanding effectively and use this information to inform future learning, particularly in subjects like art and design.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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