St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Newton Abbot, TQ12 1PT · Devon · primary school
Check the area around this school
116th of 279 primary schools in Devon we can score, 309 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 — 8.5/10 against 2,392 of them, against 7.3/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
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, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 80 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily learning?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils are described as proud, happy, and feeling safe within a calm environment where staff build close relationships. However, the report states that "the quality of education does not always match this ambition," citing inconsistencies in teaching quality and curriculum implementation. While leadership is addressing historic challenges, further work is needed to ensure all pupils achieve well.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and welcome, with "trusted adults" available for concerns and a strong sense of community.
- The reading curriculum is "well established," with an effective phonics programme leading to improved Year 1 outcomes.
- Behaviour is positive, with pupils demonstrating "compassion and forgiveness" and older pupils acting as responsible role models.
- Attendance has improved following the recruitment of extra staff to support families.
- Staff feel supported regarding workload and well-being, and governors understand the school’s strengths and development areas.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must better use assessment information to adapt the curriculum, ensuring pupils build on prior learning and retain essential knowledge.
- The trust must ensure all staff possess the requisite subject knowledge to teach effectively, as current gaps hinder some pupils’ depth of understanding.
- The school must further develop pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values and different religions to better prepare them for life in modern Britain.
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 | 29% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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