St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Darwen

About St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Darwen

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School in Darwen was rated Good in its most recent graded Ofsted inspection, a significant improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating. The school's leadership and management, as well as early years provision, were both judged Good. However, the most telling academic metric comes from the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, where just 40% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That figure is well below the local authority average of 59% for primary schools in Blackburn with Darwen, placing the school 43rd out of 56 primaries in the area. In national rankings, it sits in the bottom 50 tier. The school's reading scores are its strongest area, with 70% of pupils reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 105. Maths is weaker, with only 50% at the expected level and an average score of 102. Just 5% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects.

The school's small size is a notable feature, with 161 pupils on roll against a capacity of 210. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of respondents saying they would recommend the school. In the Parent View survey, 95% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and all felt their child is safe. Behaviour is seen as a strength, with 100% agreeing the school ensures good conduct. However, the academic results suggest that while the school creates a supportive environment, it is not currently matching the attainment levels of nearby peers. The most recent Ofsted ungraded inspection in January 2025 confirmed that standards are being maintained, and the school has a range of SEND provisions in place, including support for dyslexia, speech and language needs, and social and emotional mental health.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a sports hall, gymnasium, playing fields, an outdoor playground, art studios, a sensory room and a chapel. Clubs include drama, choir, science, coding, chess and gardening, while sports on offer are athletics, football, cricket, rounders, cross country and tennis. For the 2025/26 intake, the school was oversubscribed, with 51 applications for 19 places and 18 first-preference offers made. This suggests strong local demand despite the middling academic results. The school is a Roman Catholic state primary for mixed pupils aged 4 to 11, and it does not have a nursery or sixth form. It would suit families who prioritise a caring, faith-based atmosphere and strong pastoral care over top-tier academic outcomes, particularly those whose children may benefit from the school's SEND support. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary School, 2.7 km away.

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