St John Vianney Catholic Primary School, St Helens

Ofsted's report card from its 6 May 2026 inspection grades St John Vianney Catholic Primary School on 7 areas: 6 expected standard and 1 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils are typically ready for their next stage in education."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders have an accurate understanding of pupils' attendance rates and the factors that influence it."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders continue to refine the curriculum."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have created a curriculum that provides a successful start to children's educational journey."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders identify pupils' needs with increasing precision."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a personal development and wellbeing programme that is rooted in the school values."

Leadership and governance - Needs attention. "Leaders, including those responsible for governance, are fully dedicated to the school and make decisions in the best interests of pupils."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders and governors should ensure that they have an accurate understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses so that they prioritise the right actions at the right time to bring about improvement"; "Leaders should ensure that staff are suitably equipped to deliver the phonics programme consistently well so that pupils have the reading knowledge that they need by the end of Year 2"; "Leaders should further develop the programme to support pupils' personal development so that they gain a deeper understanding of fundamental British values and the differences that exist among people".

In its own words: "This mission statement is at the heart of everything we do. As a Catholic school, we recognise that every person is created and loved by God. Through the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we strive to create a caring, inclusive and faith-filled community where all can flourish spiritually, academically and personally."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you to St John Vianney Catholic Primary School. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to teach the children in our care and we do our utmost to ensure they achieve their very best in a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, tennis, multi-sports, yoga, dance, drama, choir, chess and Lego.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £5.00 per day.

Coming up: an open evening on Monday 9 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at St John Vianney Catholic Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 100% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 74% in St. Helens and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 71% in reading and 79% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 29 families put St John Vianney Catholic Primary School as their first choice and 66 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. 3 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to St John Vianney Catholic Primary School are Nutgrove Methodist Primary School (0.6 miles, Outstanding, 82% reading, 79% maths); Thatto Heath Community Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 74% reading, 72% maths); St Austin's Catholic Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 69% reading, 54% maths); and Longton Lane Community Primary School (1.1 miles, Good, 82% reading, 68% maths).

St John Vianney Catholic Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

9.2% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is Thatto Heath Rail Station, about 1190 metres away (roughly a 15-minute walk).

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Elton Head Road (adjacent), 150 metres away.

St John Vianney Catholic Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to St John Vianney Catholic Primary School are The Sutton Academy (0.7 miles) and Rainhill High School (1.2 miles).