St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Newbury, RG14 2AW · West Berkshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
40th of 54 primary schools in West Berkshire we can score, 67 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 the 3,288 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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 overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 246 pupils against a stated capacity of 244. 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 expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children progress towards the higher standard?
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 proud members of a friendly community. The report highlights that pupils respond positively to high expectations, showing resilience and confidence in their learning. Leaders maintain a mindful approach to workload, and governors provide strong oversight of the school’s work.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with knowledge carefully planned from Nursery to Year 6, ensuring pupils "know and remember more over time" in core subjects.
- Teachers possess "strong subject knowledge," providing clear explanations and checking understanding to help pupils apply new learning effectively.
- Reading is prioritised, with daily phonics support helping struggling pupils to "quickly catch up and become fluent readers."
- The school prioritises the identification of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), using "careful planning" and external agency support to ensure all pupils progress well.
- Behaviour is "calm and orderly," supported by the school’s 'Diamond Rules' and a culture where pupils feel safe and can share worries.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, the curriculum is not focused on re-visiting earlier learning, meaning pupils "struggle to remember important knowledge and do not develop a secure understanding over time."
- The school needs to further develop staff knowledge of planning and assessment to support pupils in remembering important knowledge in all subjects.
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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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