St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Withnell
Chorley, PR6 8SD · Lancashire · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th 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 the 3,510 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.2/10 among 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 | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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, Withnell 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 Outstanding in January 2025. 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 7.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 92 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Withnell
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection,” where it was judged outstanding. The report describes a “nurturing school” where pupils are “happy and thrive,” benefiting from an “inspiring curriculum” and high expectations. Leaders and governors provide effective support, ensuring the school continues to deliver a high-quality education despite recent leadership changes.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “exemplary” conduct and are “polite, kind and considerate,” enjoying positive relationships with staff.
- The curriculum is “broad and ambitious,” with staff making regular checks to address misconceptions promptly, helping pupils build knowledge “securely over time.”
- Reading provision is precise; staff deliver phonics with “a high level of expertise,” ensuring pupils become “confident and fluent readers.”
- Personal development is strong, with programmes like ‘Woodland Well-being’ helping pupils become “resilient young people” who understand how to keep themselves safe.
- Governors provide “effective support and challenge” to leaders, routinely gathering detailed performance information to assure education quality.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) more consistently, as current support is “variable” and some pupils “do not achieve as well as they could.”
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 | 83% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 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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