St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Dagenham, RM9 5UL · Barking and Dagenham · primary school
Check the area around this school
19th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.9/10 against 3,352 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
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, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 12.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the CAFOD Club, attend a residential trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre, and use the breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 277 pupils against a stated capacity of 462. 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the residential trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre? How does the breakfast club operate on days with early morning events?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are happy, polite, and proud members of the community. Leaders maintain high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs, fostering an environment based on mutual respect and a clear mission. While the curriculum is ambitious and well-structured, there are inconsistencies in how effectively teachers deliver the identified knowledge and check for understanding.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy and enjoy playing together," with bullying being rare and adults dealing with issues swiftly.
- The school’s ethos ensures pupils feel "uniquely special," with strong opportunities for responsibility through roles like pupil ambassadors and eco-champions.
- Teachers have "secure" subject knowledge and deliver information clearly, particularly in early reading where checks are effective.
- Pupils with special educational needs are "fully included in school life" and receive tailored support to access the curriculum.
- Staff well-being is considered, with leaders managing workload effectively and providing opportunities to share practice with other schools.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must focus more sharply on the specific knowledge, skills, and vocabulary identified in the curriculum to help pupils recall information fluently rather than just remembering activities.
- Leaders need to ensure teachers build in purposeful checks on pupils’ understanding to identify and address gaps or misconceptions swiftly.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving up-to-date training and leaders maintaining strong oversight of risks and reporting systems.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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