St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Junior School
London, NW2 5BB · Brent · primary school
Check the area around this school
40th of 51 primary schools in Brent we can score, 59 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.8/10 against 2,500 of them, against 3.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Junior School 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%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join KAPLA and Chess clubs, learn swimming, and sing in the choir. Trips include visits to the Science Museum, Go Ape, and Lambeth Palace. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 227 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Junior School
Overview
St Mary Magdalen’s Catholic Junior School continues to be a good school, where pupils live by the ethos of ‘love, excellence, teamwork, determination and respect’. The school provides an ambitious curriculum and strong support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, resulting in strong overall achievements.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate positive behaviour, enjoying positions of responsibility and acting as role models for their peers.
- Early reading is highly valued, with a consistent phonics programme ensuring pupils learn sounds step by step and receive immediate support if needed.
- Teaching effectively uses assessment to identify misconceptions, allowing lessons to be adjusted to meet pupils’ needs.
- Staff receive appropriate training to provide tailored support, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, can successfully access the curriculum.
- The governing body has a positive impact on the running of the school, and staff appreciate opportunities for professional development.
Areas to improve
- Curriculum sequencing in some subjects does not sufficiently build on prior learning, meaning pupils’ understanding is more secure in some areas than others.
- The provision for pupils’ broader development lacks coherence, with extra-curricular opportunities not fully linked to enhance learning and all-round development.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 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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