St Paul's CofE Junior School
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 4HF · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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60th of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 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 3,769 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8/10 among them, against 3.4/10 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 | 44.0 · 12 | 40% | 0.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
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 CofE Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.0% 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 11.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8 out of 10 among them, against 3.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego Therapy and Animal Care clubs, play football, basketball, netball, or tennis, and visit Haybridge temperate rainforest. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 71 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 to bridge the gap between the current 44.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to maintain the higher standard achievement rate of 11.0%?
What Ofsted said about St Paul's CofE Junior School
Overview
St Paul’s CofE Junior School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy attending and demonstrate a "clear sense of pride" in their school community. The inspection highlights "warm relationships" between staff and pupils, underpinned by Christian values, resulting in a calm atmosphere where learning is "seldom interrupted by off-task behaviour."
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit high standards of behaviour, with bullying being "unusual" and incidents dealt with "quickly and effectively."
- Leaders have developed a "suitably broad and balanced curriculum" that is ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Staff are "well trained" and deliver the curriculum effectively, particularly in English and mathematics where assessments are accurate.
- There is a strong focus on pupil well-being, with a "very good range of activities" including sports, enrichment clubs, and community projects like "Welly Wednesdays."
- Leaders and governors are "ambitious for its future" and actively support staff workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- The range of books provided for reading is "not sufficiently ambitious or diverse," which narrows pupils’ reading experiences.
- Assessments in subjects other than English and mathematics do not match the intended curriculum, hindering staff from spotting "potential gaps in pupils’ knowledge."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong safeguarding culture" where staff are trained, know pupils well, and act promptly on concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 85% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 44% |
| 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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