St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Washington
Washington, NE38 7HU · Sunderland · primary school
Check the area around this school
32nd of 73 primary schools in Sunderland we can score, 81 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 4,256 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2/10 among them, against 6.7/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
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, Washington overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 9.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2 out of 10 among them, against 6.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the CAFOD Club and Mini Vinnies, play in the Girls Football Team, and visit Beamish Museum in Year 2.
Getting in
The published school roll is 227 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for the 9.0% who aim for the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Washington
Overview
Pupils are described as "happy and safe," displaying "kindness and respect" within a school that maintains "high expectations" for behaviour and achievement. The report highlights an "aspirational curriculum" and strong community links, noting that pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, "achieve well in most subjects."
Strengths
- Reading is a priority, with a "well embedded" phonics scheme helping pupils become "fluent readers" who "love reading."
- Mathematics is taught with "rigour and pace," featuring a "carefully sequenced" curriculum that allows for swift, targeted support.
- Early years provision is "carefully planned," establishing clear routines that foster "confident learners" with strong communication skills.
- Leaders have ensured "high-quality provision" for pupils with SEND through effective assessment cycles and staff training.
- Staff well-being is prioritised, resulting in "strong relationships" between the school, pupils, and families.
Areas to improve
- Ensure "full and effective implementation" of new curriculums in subjects like geography and history to create a "fully cohesive plan of progression."
- Provide "effective challenge" for the most-able pupils in mathematics, as current work is sometimes "too easy" and hampers their potential.
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 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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 NE38 7HU, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT