St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Preston
Preston, PR1 5XL · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
163rd of 448 primary schools in Lancashire we can score, 481 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 — 9.0/10 against 2,336 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
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, Preston overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 11.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a residential visit to Beacon Fell at Witton Park. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 347 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How are places allocated for the upcoming entry year?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Preston
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School is described as a “welcoming place” where pupils “flourish” and feel safe. The report highlights that leaders prioritise personal development and effectively support disadvantaged pupils, resulting in strong outcomes for wellbeing and behaviour. While most areas meet the expected standard, the school’s personal development and wellbeing are rated at a strong standard.
Strengths
- Pupils’ personal development is a “key priority,” with leaders ensuring all pupils, especially the disadvantaged, experience “high‑quality opportunities.”
- Disadvantaged pupils “typically flourish” due to leaders’ “highly effective work” in identifying and overcoming barriers.
- Pupils behave well, are “considerate and courteous,” and contribute to a “calm and harmonious community.”
- The curriculum is “ambitious and well thought out,” with reading at its heart and teachers accurately identifying pupils who struggle.
- Leaders and governors provide “effective support and challenge,” ensuring decisions are taken in pupils’ best interests.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers identify and address errors in pupils’ letter formation to develop greater fluency in written work.
- Leaders should ensure temporary part-time attendance arrangements have clear end points and are reviewed regularly so pupils do not miss important learning.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of PR1 5XL, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT