St Luke's Catholic Academy
Harlow, CM19 4LU · Essex · primary school
Check the area around this school
306th of 391 primary schools in Essex we can score, 444 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 4,058 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6/10 among them, against 2.6/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Luke's Catholic Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.6 out of 10 among them, against 2.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir or take guitar tuition, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 231 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 21, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? How does the curriculum support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for children joining the guitar tuition?
What Ofsted said about St Luke's Catholic Academy
Overview
Pupils describe the school as a ‘very happy place’ where they feel safe and are ready to learn. The report highlights a nurturing environment underpinned by strong Christian values, with staff providing effective support for attendance and personal development. While the curriculum is ambitious and reading is a particular strength, some areas require further refinement to ensure consistent depth of knowledge across all subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high levels of respect, kindness, and responsibility, actively participating in citizenship initiatives like the ‘values tree’ and ‘Mini Vinnies’.
- The teaching of reading is a strength, with staff systematically teaching phonics and providing targeted support for pupils who struggle or speak English as an additional language.
- Staff have high expectations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), accurately identifying needs and adapting teaching so these pupils achieve well across every subject.
- The trust provides strong support for staff professional development, fostering a collaborative team culture where staff are proud of their work.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must fully evaluate recently revised curriculum programmes to ensure pupils secure the depth of knowledge required in these subjects.
- Leaders should provide continued training and support to ensure all teachers have the precise subject expertise needed to deliver the curriculum consistently and avoid misconceptions in pupils’ understanding.
Safeguarding
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 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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