St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Poole
Poole, BH12 4DZ · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole · primary school
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28th of 50 primary schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole we can score, 66 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 — 5.6/10 against 2,740 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
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, Poole overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, also equal to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join music, Lego, and athletics clubs, as well as cricket, netball, and football teams. A breakfast club and after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 370 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the multi-skills club? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from the upper school choir to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Poole
Overview
The report describes a school where staff care deeply for pupils and parents, fostering a "calm and orderly atmosphere" where most children are happy. Leaders are actively working to improve the curriculum, with a strong focus on accountability and raising expectations across the multi-academy trust. The Catholic ethos is central to the school’s community, providing enrichment through music, sports, and opportunities to learn about other faiths.
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe and are able to speak with a trusted adult if they have concerns.
- Teachers make appropriate adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, helping them follow the curriculum more easily.
- Children in Reception develop reading fluency well, with staff providing immediate support to younger pupils who need to catch up.
- Pupils receive a well-designed personal, social, health and economic curriculum, leading to a mature awareness of mental health and self-care.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with vigilant designated leads and thorough recruitment checks.
Areas to improve
- In some curriculums, including the early years, pupils are not gaining knowledge in a carefully sequenced way, hindering their ability to build on prior learning.
- Many teachers do not consider the most effective pedagogy for teaching the curriculum, resulting in pupils struggling to remember and articulate their learning.
- Too many pupils do not hold pencils correctly, and there are weaknesses in letter formation and number writing, particularly in Reception.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders ensuring external support is provided at the right level to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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