St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

About St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Bradford holds a Good rating from Ofsted, a grade it has maintained since its last graded inspection in 2016. The most recent ungraded inspection in February 2025 confirmed that standards are being upheld, with leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness all rated Good. On the key academic metric of the percentage of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, the school sits at 60 per cent. That is a fraction above the Bradford local authority average of 59 per cent, placing it in the middle of the pack locally — ranked 76th out of 153 primary schools in the area. The school's national percentile of 56 means it performs broadly in line with the typical state primary across England. The data suggests a solid, if not standout, academic profile, with the school's strengths lying more in consistency than in exceptional results.

Looking closer at the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, the picture is mixed. In reading, 66 per cent of pupils met the expected standard, with an average scaled score of 104. Maths was similar, with 68 per cent at the expected level and an average score of 104. The proportion reaching the higher standard in reading was 25 per cent, and in maths 23 per cent, but just 7 per cent achieved the higher bar across all three subjects. Writing saw 65 per cent at the expected level and 12 per cent at the higher standard. The school has no progress scores published, so it is not possible to see how much value it adds from pupils' starting points. In the parent view survey, 76 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their child does well at the school, and 83 per cent felt the school has high expectations. However, only 36 per cent agreed that SEND children receive the support they need, with 63 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing — a notable concern.

The school is oversubscribed, with 92 applications for 41 places in 2025/26, and all 38 first-preference applicants were offered a place. It has a Roman Catholic character and a nursery provision for children from age three. Facilities include a Forest School, sensory room, chapel, library, gymnasium and playing fields, and clubs range from choir and drama to coding and book club. Sports on offer include football, cricket, gymnastics and cross country. The school supports pupils with specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. With 27.6 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a relatively disadvantaged intake. For families seeking a faith-based primary with a broad range of activities and a strong sense of community, St Joseph's is a solid local option, though those with SEND children may want to investigate support arrangements further.

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