St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 4AA · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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94th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.3/10 against 2,240 of them, against 3.0/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.30 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the 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 (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools). An inspection took place in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 pupils against a stated capacity of 246. 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 areas did the April 2026 inspection highlight for improvement?
What Ofsted said about St Pius X Catholic Primary School, Barrow
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have successfully resolved previous curriculum weaknesses, creating an "ambitious, interesting and relevant" offer that enables most pupils to build knowledge effectively. While personal development is rated at a "strong standard" with pupils feeling safe and valued, overall achievement is rated as "needs attention" because some older pupils have gaps in their learning and do not consistently attain as well as national peers.
Strengths
- Leaders place pupils’ personal development at the heart of their work, teaching them to be "healthy and safe" and fostering a culture of kindness and respect.
- The refreshed curriculum is well-designed, with staff working closely with experts to ensure key skills in reading, writing, and mathematics are taught well.
- Pupils enjoy "wide and varied opportunities," including community visits and clubs, and are "aspirational for their future."
- Inclusion is effective, with leaders identifying pupils with special educational needs quickly and providing individualised support to help them thrive.
- Attendance is supported by effective pastoral care, including a "pastoral pod" that helps reduce anxiety for vulnerable pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure gaps in pupils' knowledge, especially for older pupils, are reduced so they are ready for the next stage of education.
- Teachers need to address errors and misconceptions in pupils' work more effectively to build a secure body of knowledge.
- Leaders should refine checks on teaching to measure the impact of improvement work on pupils' achievement.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, 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 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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