St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Moorthorpe

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Barnsley Road, Moorthorpe, Pontefract, WF9 2BPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Moorthorpe is a primary school in Pontefract for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 155 schools in Wakefield. It ranks 20th of 33 primary schools in Pontefract. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in February 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 1 February 2017, report published 23 March 2017

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 29 June 2022

Pupils enjoy attending this school. They feel happy and safe. Pupils treat each other with respect. A strong community atmosphere is underpinned by the weekly virtues that pupils learn about, for example, kindness and generosity. Pupils learn about how to demonstrate these virtues in their day-to-day lives. They are rewarded on Friday if they have modelled the weekly virtue. Pupils understand the importance of these virtues in moulding their character. One pupil explained 'they make us think about how to be better people'. The respectful culture that is evident around school means that pupils are considerate of each other. They talk firmly about empathy. Pupils explain the importance of 'treating others as you would like to be treated'. Pupils do not feel that bullying is a problem at this school. They understand clearly what bullying is and how to challenge it. Pupils are confident that staff would take bullying very seriously. Staff have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils enjoy the challenge of meeting these expectations. Pupils are encouraged to be independent and resourceful in lessons. If they are stuck, they do not expect to be given the answer. Teachers also encourage children in the early years to be independent. They help tidy up and zip up their own coats, for example.

What the school should improve

  • In some lessons, teachers are not systematically checking what all pupils know. This means that gaps and misconceptions are not always identified quickly. Leaders should ensure that, in lessons, teachers are regularly checking what all pupils have learned.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

29 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths55%

55%, 7 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score103

103, 3 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

204 pupils on roll, with places for 230

Eligible for free school meals28.4%

28.4%, 1.9 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language31.9%

31.9%, 10.3 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support19.6%

19.6%, 4.8 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.4%

4.4%, 1.6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Moorthorpe

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Moorthorpe Primary School With Inclusion Resource0.1 milesOfsted: Good35% met the expected standard
South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant School0.4 milesOfsted: Good51% met the expected standard
Ash Grove Primary Academy0.7 milesOfsted: Good48% met the expected standard
Northfield Primary School0.8 milesOfsted: Requires improvement83% met the expected standard
South Kirkby Academy1 mileOfsted: Good32% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE BISHOP KONSTANT CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Kelly Picton
Address
Barnsley Road, Moorthorpe, Pontefract, WF9 2BP
Local authority
Wakefield
URN
140558

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.