St Philomena's Primary School
Orpington, BR5 4DR · Bromley · primary school
Check the area around this school
24th of 69 primary schools in Bromley we can score, 76 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 — 9.1/10 against 4,299 of them, against 8.9/10 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 | 86.0 · 95 | 40% | 3.78 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Philomena's Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 86.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Beading, Chess, and Sewing clubs, or participate in Football, Netball, and Taekwondo. Arts options include the Rock Steady Choir, Violin, and Piano. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 pupils against a stated capacity of 208. 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 need extra help to reach the higher standard? What does a typical day look like for a child attending the breakfast club? How does the school manage transitions for pupils moving between year groups?
What Ofsted said about St Philomena's Primary School
Overview
St Philomena’s Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as "happy and confident" within a "small and friendly" community. Leaders have established a "high-quality curriculum" that ensures pupils achieve well, supported by effective teaching and strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully designed and sequenced," with particular success in teaching reading through an "ambitious phonics programme" that produces "confident and speedy readers."
- Pupils display "sensible and considerate behaviour," reflecting leaders’ high expectations, and are well supported by older pupils and staff from their first days in Reception.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "effective," with individual needs identified quickly and "thoughtfully targeted" extra support enabling them to achieve very well.
- Effective governance contributes to strong leadership, and staff value the support they receive, fostering a "sense of pride in working for the school."
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the "thinking behind the curriculum’s structure and sequence lacks rigour and thoroughness," meaning pupils are not always supported to develop the building blocks needed for complex ideas.
- Leaders need to "refine their curriculum thinking" in these areas, particularly in physical education, geography, and history, to ensure pupils gain a deeper understanding of subject content.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff carefully selected, prompt referrals made where appropriate, and pupils taught how to stay safe online and on public transport.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 86% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BR5 4DR, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT