St Paul's Catholic Primary School
Prenton, CH43 7TE · Wirral · primary school
Check the area around this school
64th of 74 primary schools in Wirral we can score, 90 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 — 2.7/10 against 389 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Paul's Catholic Primary School 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 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in May 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 99 pupils against a stated capacity of 120. 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 steps are taken to help children reach the higher standard in reading? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Paul's Catholic Primary School is described as a "warm and supportive place" where pupils feel safe and have a "clear sense of belonging." The report highlights strong inclusion practices and effective support for disadvantaged pupils, though it notes that "too few pupils achieve as well as they could," particularly in writing and phonics. Leaders are managing significant change, but the impact of improvements is currently uneven.
Strengths
- Inclusion is central to decision-making, with effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Disadvantaged pupils make better progress in reading and mathematics, supported by targeted funding.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of free enrichment opportunities, including trips and clubs, ensuring no pupil misses out.
- The school’s Catholic character fosters a strong community, with daily worship and a focus on respect and equality.
- Staff are well-supported, and parents value the approachable nature of the school and the care their children receive.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum meets the needs of mixed-age classes so knowledge builds progressively.
- Teachers need to accurately identify and address errors in punctuation, spelling, and handwriting to prevent persistent gaps.
- Attendance strategies require a clear, measurable impact to reduce persistent absence, which remains high.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 45% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 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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