The Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School
Runcorn, WA7 2NL · Halton · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th of 47 primary schools in Halton we can score, 49 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 — 3.6/10 against 1,275 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 6.0% achieved this against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 75 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 literacy? What specific interventions are in place for the 50.0% who did not meet the national benchmark? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between its results and the national median?
What Ofsted said about The Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School
Overview
The inspection found that pupils enjoy attending school and feel welcome in a calm, orderly environment. Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that helps pupils build knowledge securely, resulting in good achievement across most subjects. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with governors demonstrating a strong understanding of current strengths and areas for development.
Strengths
- Pupils are "keen to learn" and "achieve well," building their knowledge securely over time through carefully ordered lessons.
- Staff are well trained to deliver phonics effectively, ensuring pupils become "fluent, accurate readers by the end of Year 2."
- The school identifies pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) early, adapting curriculum delivery so they "progress well."
- Behaviour is positive, with pupils paying attention and rare instances of disruption being dealt with effectively.
- Attendance is prioritised, with pupils attending regularly and arriving punctually.
Areas to improve
- The early years curriculum must identify "the small steps of learning" required to reach end points, ensuring children build new learning coherently on what they already know.
- In some subjects, pupils need more opportunity to "reflect on what they have learned" to deepen and broaden their understanding of key concepts.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 27% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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