St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy

About St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy

If you're considering St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Bradford, the parent feedback is a good place to start. In the most recent Parent View survey, 71% of respondents said they would recommend the school, though it's worth noting that 29% said they would not. The survey, which ran from September 2024 to September 2025, collected 41 responses, so the picture is based on a relatively small group. On the positive side, 91% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy at the school, and 93% felt their child is safe. However, the school's popularity is clear from its admissions data: for the 2025/26 intake, it received 61 applications for just 18 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.39. Only 16 of those applications were first-preference, meaning the school is a strong draw for local families but not necessarily the top choice for everyone.

Academically, St Joseph's performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 tests, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared to the Bradford local authority average of 59%. That puts the school 25th out of 153 primary schools in the area, placing it in the top 25% locally. The school's average scores in reading (106) and maths (105) are both above the national benchmark of 100. At the higher standard, 26% of pupils achieved that level in both reading and maths, though writing at the higher standard was lower at 11%. In its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2020, the school was rated Good overall, with Outstanding marks for personal development and behaviour and attitudes. A subsequent ungraded inspection in October 2024 confirmed that standards were being maintained.

The school is a Roman Catholic voluntary academy for mixed pupils aged 5 to 11, with a current roll of 177 against a capacity of 210. It offers a range of facilities including a chapel, music rooms, art studios, a dining hall and a forest school area. Sports on offer include football, cricket, gymnastics and cross country, while clubs range from book club and drama to eco club and film club. For families with children who have special educational needs, the school lists provisions for dyslexia, speech and language needs, autistic spectrum disorder, and social, emotional and mental health support. With 9% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school has a below-average level of disadvantage compared to many Bradford primaries. Given its strong academic results and Catholic character, St Joseph's is likely to suit families who prioritise a faith-based education and are prepared for a competitive admissions process.

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