St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Moorthorpe
Pontefract, WF9 2BP · Wakefield · primary school
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77th of 98 primary schools in Wakefield we can score, 113 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 — 2.0/10 against 2,470 of them, against 2.1/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| 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, Moorthorpe overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% 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 (2.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Sports Council, Eco Council, and Mini Vinnies. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 204 pupils against a stated capacity of 230. 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 not reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve reading and writing outcomes? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Moorthorpe
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, providing a happy and safe environment where pupils feel respected. The report highlights a strong community atmosphere underpinned by weekly virtues, with staff maintaining high expectations for pupil achievement and independence.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy attending school and demonstrate a "respectful culture," understanding how to challenge bullying and treat others with empathy.
- Leaders have built a "strong curriculum" that is "ambitious" and addresses learning gaps caused by pandemic disruptions, particularly in mathematics.
- There is a "strong focus on early reading," with daily phonics teaching and a culture where pupils talk with "enthusiasm about reading."
- Teachers use "clear and precise" explanations and "ambitious vocabulary," encouraging pupils to use sophisticated language in their work.
- Staff feel "well supported" by the trust, with effective measures in place to manage workload and wellbeing.
Areas to improve
- In some lessons, teachers do not "routinely check what all pupils know," meaning gaps in knowledge are not identified quickly enough. Leaders should ensure teachers regularly check pupil understanding.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being "vigilant in their attention to pupils’ well-being" and knowledgeable about risks, while vulnerable pupils receive necessary support from external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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