St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Crawley Review 2026: Catholic Primary with strong KS2 outcomes and calm routines

The headline measure for primary schools is the combined reading, writing and maths expected standard at Key Stage 2.

• In 2024, 80.67% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the England average of 62%.

• At the higher standard (greater depth across reading, writing and maths), 20.33% reached this level, compared with the England average of 8%.

• Science at the expected standard was 83%, slightly above the England average of 82%.

Those figures indicate outcomes that are clearly above England averages, especially at the higher standard threshold where the gap is substantial.

On the FindMySchool ranking (based on official data), the school is ranked 2,509th in England for primary outcomes and 4th in Crawley, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of primary schools in England. (This ranking statement uses FindMySchool’s proprietary methodology applied to official results, and it should be read as a comparative indicator rather than a guarantee of future cohorts matching the same profile.)

For parents, the practical implication is that the school appears to serve both “secure expected” pupils and higher attainers well. The higher standard figure suggests a meaningful proportion of pupils leave Year 6 ready for stretch at secondary level, assuming the right match of curriculum and support continues into Key Stage 3.

The curriculum is structured with clear routines and a strong focus on building knowledge over time. The most recent inspection describes carefully sequenced curriculum planning, mapped from early years upwards, and teaching that encourages pupils to explain their thinking rather than simply finish a page.

Two specific teaching signals stand out for parents:

1. Early reading: reading is treated as foundational and taught systematically, with staff checking misconceptions quickly and providing extra practice where needed. For children who need repetition to become fluent, that matters more than flashy “reading schemes”.

2. Retention and SEND consistency: the same external review highlights an area for improvement around pupils remembering learning in the longer term, and around staff applying special educational needs and disabilities adaptations consistently. This is not unusual in growing schools, but it is a useful discussion point for parents of children who rely on precise scaffolding and predictable classroom adjustments.

Music is also used in a practical, behaviour-supporting way. The inspection notes a “traffic lights” routine in the music room to help pupils understand exactly when to play and when to listen. That kind of micro-routine tells you the school is attentive to the small operational details that keep lessons calm.

As a primary school, the main “destination” question is transition to Year 7. Families typically move on to a range of local secondary schools across West Sussex (and sometimes beyond depending on family move patterns and faith preferences). The school also references links with feeder secondary schools as part of its wider curriculum and enrichment planning.

What parents can do now:

• Ask how Year 6 transition is handled, including liaison with receiving schools, pastoral handover, and any additional support for pupils with SEND.

• If you are considering a Catholic secondary route, ask how the school supports families to understand options, timelines, and supplementary forms, since Catholic admissions can run alongside local authority coordination.

Admissions are coordinated through the local authority for the normal round, but as a voluntary aided Catholic school there is also a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for families applying under faith criteria.

For Reception entry in the normal admissions round for 2026 to 2027, the completed SIF with supporting documents should be returned to the school by 15 January 2026, and families must also complete the local authority Common Application Form.

West Sussex sets the national primary deadline as Thursday 15 January 2026, with families notified on 16 April 2026. This matters because late applications can significantly reduce choice in an oversubscribed area.

Demand is strong. In the most recent published admissions data, there were 155 applications for 59 offers, which is around 2.63 applications per place. That is the practical meaning of “oversubscribed” here, competition rather than a formality. Families who are set on a Catholic priority route should treat evidence collection (for example baptism documentation where relevant) as part of the timeline, not a last-minute task.

Open events are best checked directly with the school. Local authority guidance expects most schools to run opportunities for prospective parents during the autumn term each year, but the exact pattern varies.

If you are trying to judge whether this is a realistic option, use FindMySchool’s Map Search to check travel practicality from your front door and to compare nearby Catholic and non-faith alternatives on the Local Hub, using the Comparison Tool.

The most recent inspection describes an inclusive culture where pupils feel safe and bullying is rare, with confidence that staff deal with issues quickly. That is a high-impact claim for parents, because it speaks to daily lived experience, not a policy document.

The school uses some tangible mechanisms that are easy for younger pupils to engage with. One example is “Winston the Worry Monster”, a system pupils can use to share worries, which staff then follow up. Another is a “circle of friends” programme supported by a learning mentor, aimed at helping pupils form and sustain friendships.

For pupils who need regulation support, the inspection references “bucket time” sessions for some younger pupils and a “zen den” space for quiet regulation. The key question for families is consistency. The same review identifies that staff need to apply SEND approaches more consistently, so parents of children with additional needs should ask how training, monitoring, and parent communication are handled now, and how classroom adjustments are standardised.

One explicit safeguarding point is worth stating once, because it is non-negotiable for school choice: The latest Ofsted report (inspection dates 11 to 12 July 2023, published September 2023) confirms safeguarding arrangements are effective.

This school does well when extracurricular is tied to personal development, not just entertainment.

Pupil leadership and service is a clear pillar. The school formalises roles such as well-being ambassadors, play leaders, eco-council members, Religious Education council members, and pet monitors. The implication is that children who like structure and responsibility get regular chances to practise leadership in age-appropriate ways.

Outdoor learning is another pillar through Forest School. The school describes Forest School sessions as a way to build confidence, resilience, and peer relationships through outdoor activity and managed risk-taking. Class pages also indicate that Forest School can be built into the timetable for particular year groups and terms, rather than being an occasional enrichment day. For many pupils, that balance of physical learning and reflection can improve engagement, especially for children who find extended sitting difficult.

Wraparound care is unusually clear for a primary. The Ark breakfast club runs from 8.00am to 8.45am, includes breakfast options, and is staffed by teaching assistants. The published daily cost for breakfast club is £4. After-school provision runs from 3.30pm to 5.55pm, with a homework window from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and a snack provided. That kind of detail makes planning easier for working families, and it usually reduces stress at pick-up because expectations and sign-in routines are explicit.

A final point is the school’s approach to enrichment more broadly. Curriculum material references visits, workshops, visiting speakers, concerts and productions, and a Year 6 residential. Parents who want a busy calendar should check how often year groups go off-site and how costs are managed, especially if budgeting is a key factor.

The gate opens at 8.40am and pupils should be in school by 8.50am. The school day finishes at 3.15pm for Early Years and Key Stage 1, and 3.20pm for Key Stage 2.

Wraparound care is offered through The Ark. Breakfast club runs 8.00am to 8.45am; after-school club runs 3.30pm to 5.55pm during term time.

For transport and daily logistics, this is a Southgate Drive location in Crawley, so families typically plan around walkability, local roads, and bus routes rather than rail commuting. If you are driving, ask directly about drop-off arrangements and any staggered systems, since local traffic patterns can change year to year.

• Faith matters in admissions. If you are applying under Catholic criteria, the Supplementary Information Form and supporting evidence need to be in by 15 January 2026. Missing paperwork can affect priority.

• Competition for places. Recent data indicates around 2.63 applications per offer. Families should list realistic alternatives, not only one preference.

• SEND consistency is a known development area. External review highlights that classroom adaptations for pupils with SEND are not yet applied as consistently as leaders intend. Parents should ask how this is being quality-assured now.

• Retention and recall are a focus point. The school is working on ensuring pupils remember key learning over time, not just perform well in the moment. That is worth exploring if your child benefits from overlearning and structured retrieval.

A strongly performing Catholic primary with calm routines, clear expectations, and above-England-average Key Stage 2 outcomes, including a notably strong higher standard picture. The school’s culture of responsibility, visible through formal pupil roles and structured wellbeing systems, should suit children who like clarity and enjoy contributing to the community. Best suited to families who value a Catholic ethos and are ready to engage early with a competitive admissions process, particularly where faith documentation is relevant.