St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
Babworth Road, Retford, DN22 7BPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy is a primary school in Retford for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 364 schools in Nottinghamshire. It ranks 3rd of 16 primary schools in Retford. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 4 March 2014, report published 26 March 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 22 February 2024
This is a very welcoming school, where pupils enjoy their learning. Pupils are keen to share their enthusiasm for learning and their high opinion of their teachers. As one pupil commented, 'I like mathematics. That's because our teacher explains things like fractions really well.' Expectations of work and behaviour are high. Pupils strive to meet these expectations. The school's '7 Rs' values thread through all aspects of school life. Pupils are very friendly and courteous. They conduct themselves as 'responsible' and 'respectful' learners. Pupils' behaviour is exceptional in class and around the school. There is a calm atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils feel safe and happy. Relationships are very positive. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) access all activities. They receive effective support to achieve well in line with their peers. Parents of pupils with SEND agree that this is a particular strength of the school's work. Parents and carers have full confidence in the school. They appreciate the sense of community and the guidance provided for their children. As one parent explained, 'My daughter feels cared for, liked and respected at this school. They steer her well.'
What the school should improve
- The school has implemented strategies for managing staff workload and supporting staff well-being. However, these are not yet fully effective. As a result, some staff have concerns regarding workload and well-being. The school should establish clear processes for communicating with all staff about strategies to manage workload and to support their well-being. The school should then liaise with all staff to determine how effective these strategies are.
- The school's plans for teaching British values are not yet fully developed. As a result, some pupils do not have an age-appropriate depth of understanding of British values. The school should ensure that all pupils have an age-appropriate understanding of the key values that are important in Britain today.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
30 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
224 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, a Voluntary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hallcroft Infant and Nursery School | 0.6 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Not published |
| St Swithun's Church of England Primary Academy | 0.7 miles | Report card: Urgent improvement to needs attention | 17% met the expected standard |
| Ordsall Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 58% met the expected standard |
| Carr Hill Primary and Nursery School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 21% met the expected standard |
| Thrumpton Primary Academy | 1 mile | Report card: Expected standard | 61% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Richard Hilton
- Phone
- 01777702850
- Address
- Babworth Road, Retford, DN22 7BP
- Local authority
- Nottinghamshire
- URN
- 142158
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.