St Philip's Church of England Controlled Primary School
Liverpool, L21 8NZ · Sefton · primary school
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65th of 69 primary schools in Sefton we can score, 74 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 — 1.3/10 against 2,770 of them, against 1.7/10 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 | 41.0 · 9 | 40% | 0.35 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| 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 Philip's Church of England Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.0% 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% of pupils, 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 (1.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.7 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Junior Leadership Teams, School Council, Ethos Group, Eco Group, Pupil Arts Council, Digital Ambassadors, Sports Ambassadors, and Hall Monitors. Music instruction includes brass, strings, piano, and woodwind. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 197 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
How does the school support pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment in writing?
What Ofsted said about St Philip's Church of England Controlled Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have taken decisive action to address previous weaknesses, resulting in a positive culture where pupils feel safe and valued. While attendance and behaviour are improving, and the curriculum is being strengthened, the report notes that it is "too soon to see the impact" of these changes on published achievement data. Consequently, many pupils currently have gaps in key knowledge, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed.
- Pupils are "typically polite and well-mannered," with bullying being rare and incidents addressed swiftly.
- Staff provide "highly effective support" for pupils' social and emotional development, helping them manage emotions.
- Leaders use pupil premium funding effectively to advance opportunities for disadvantaged pupils.
- The early years curriculum is effective, helping children develop confidence and independence.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure gaps in pupils' English and mathematics knowledge are "swiftly addressed" so pupils are ready for their next stage of learning.
- Staff need further support to use checks on learning to spot misconceptions, ensuring teaching "builds more securely on pupils’ understanding."
- Leaders should continue to take action to reduce absence rates, particularly for pupils who are persistently absent.
Safeguarding
The report confirms that safeguarding standards are met, stating that leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 41% |
| 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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