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St Mary's Priory Junior School

Plymouth, PL7 1QN · Plymouth · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2023 Inspected 3 years ago Mixed Primary
5.4/10 Broadly average

27th of 66 primary schools in Plymouth we can score, 69 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 4,259 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.8/10 among 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 65.0 · 52 40% 2.07
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 Mary's Priory Junior School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 9.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.8 out of 10 among them, against 5.5 out of 10 nationally.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join the Plymkids club, learn keyboard, guitar, drums, or singing, and access both breakfast and after-school clubs.

Getting in

The published school roll is 149 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 to reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities does the Plymkids club offer during the term?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about St Mary's Priory Junior School

Inspection report dated 28 September 2023

Overview

Old Priory Junior Academy is described as a school where pupils "thrive" within a culture of "reflection and kindness." Leaders have driven "substantial improvements" to the curriculum, resulting in an "ambitious and engaging" educational experience. The report highlights exceptional behaviour, with pupils being "highly motivated" and respectful, while staff are praised for going "above and beyond" to support families.

Strengths

  • Behaviour and attitudes are "exceptional," with pupils working and playing together "harmoniously" and showing deep respect for one another.
  • The curriculum is "broad and relevant," featuring "well-sequenced content" that helps pupils make links between prior and current learning.
  • There is a "relentless focus on reading" and a strong emphasis on oracy, making pupils "articulate and confident" in their responses.
  • Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "accurately identified" and receive "timely and appropriate support" to progress through the curriculum.
  • Leaders and governors work with "drive and compassion," fostering an "exceptionally strong sense of shared purpose" among staff.

Areas to improve

  • In a few subjects, curriculum elements are in the "early stages of implementation," meaning pupils have not yet fully developed the intended knowledge and skills.
  • Leaders must continue to "improve and embed their ambitious curriculum" so that pupils "consistently know and remember more."

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with a "strong culture" where staff understand it is "everyone’s business" and robust reporting ensures vulnerable children receive the right support.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
65%
2024/25
Higher standard
9%
2024/25
Free school meals
13%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

60% 2022/23
72% 2023/24
65% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for St Mary's Priory Junior School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2360%
2023/2472%
2024/2565%
England64%

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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