St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Plymouth, PL1 4DJ · Plymouth · primary school
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63rd of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 — 2.2/10 against 2,894 of them, against 2.6/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
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, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (2.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.6 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection was in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a Service Family Club, organises a Cinema Trip, and provides a breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 201 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific areas did the June 2026 inspection highlight for improvement? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning curriculum?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils benefit from a "caring environment" and feel safe, with strong personal development and wellbeing. However, inconsistent teaching quality and low attendance have resulted in pupils not being "fully prepared for the next stage of their education," with outcomes below national averages.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a "well-considered personal development programme" that places "inclusivity at the heart of their decision-making."
- Pupils enjoy a "wide range of opportunities," including sports and leadership roles, and speak positively about their experiences.
- The school fosters a culture of "love" and "harmony," with pupils demonstrating "politeness and courtesy" and bullying being rare.
- Early outcomes in phonics and multiplication checks now "exceed the national average."
- Staff provide "effective pastoral support," and pupils trust adults to help with concerns.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must improve the "quality and consistency of teaching" to ensure all pupils secure key knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Staff need to use assessment information more effectively to adapt teaching, particularly for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Leaders should ensure all staff share "high expectations" for behaviour and continue work to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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