St Joseph's RC Primary School, Halliwell, Bolton
Bolton, BL1 3EJ · Bolton · primary school
Check the area around this school
40th of 88 primary schools in Bolton we can score, 97 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 — 6.7/10 against 1,954 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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 RC Primary School, Halliwell, Bolton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved this, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the choir, Young Voices, and perform at the Christmas Concert and The Halle.
Getting in
The published school roll is 220 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 roles do the choir and Young Voices play in the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's RC Primary School, Halliwell, Bolton
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Joseph’s RC Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school remains an “inviting and caring” environment where pupils are happy, behave well, and demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning. Leaders and governors work collaboratively to support a broad curriculum and high aspirations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils are “happy and settle well,” showing “positive attitudes towards their learning” and understanding the importance of regular attendance.
- The school provides a “broad and ambitious curriculum” with “well-thought-out” teacher training and support, fostering a “close-knit team” culture.
- Staff effectively identify additional needs early, offering “effective strategies to support pupils with SEND” and fostering a “love of reading” through diverse books and peer-led initiatives.
- Pupils benefit from “regular opportunities to learn outdoors” and enriching trips, which help develop “self-confidence and teamwork skills.”
- Attendance is generally high, with a “joined-up approach” helping a small number of pupils with lower attendance to attend more regularly.
Areas to improve
- Staff must provide clearer explanations of new concepts and check pupils’ understanding more carefully to prevent “misunderstandings” and uncorrected mistakes.
- Support for pupils at an “earlier stage of learning to read” requires more consistent delivery to help them become “fluent and accurate readers” more quickly.
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| 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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