Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy

About Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy

Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy in North East Lincolnshire is a small school that parents clearly want to get into. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received nine applications for just six places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.5. All six first-preference applicants were offered a place, so while it is popular, it is not impossible to secure a spot. The school is a Roman Catholic state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 3 to 11, with a nursery on site. It is led by headteacher Michelle Steeper and currently has 85 pupils on roll against a capacity of 230, meaning there is significant room for growth. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37 per cent, which is above the national average and reflects the school's inclusive intake.

Academically, Saint Joseph's most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good. The previous graded inspection in 2013 gave the same overall rating, so the school has maintained a consistent standard. However, the 2023 ungraded inspection noted that the school 'remains Good (Concerns) - S5 Next', suggesting some areas need attention. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 41 per cent of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, well below the local authority average of 64 per cent. The school ranks 38th out of 42 primary schools in North East Lincolnshire on this measure, placing it in the bottom half nationally. Individual subject scores were mixed: 70 per cent met the expected standard in reading, 56 per cent in writing and 52 per cent in maths, with average scores of 105 in reading and 99 in maths.

The school offers a range of facilities including a sports hall, sensory room, art studios, forest school and a chapel. Sports on offer include athletics, swimming, gymnastics and cross country, while clubs cover drama, choir and science. For pupils with additional needs, the school provides support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. With its small size and strong parent demand, this school is likely to suit families who value a faith-based environment and a close-knit community feel. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Middlethorpe Primary Academy, 0.7 km away, which may be an alternative for families who prioritise top Ofsted grades. Given the low combined KS2 outcomes, parents focused on academic results may want to investigate further.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Joseph's Catholic Primary Voluntary Academy

Helpful Guides for Parents