Reception (ages 4 to 5)
Your child starts school in a small, caring class, playing, exploring, creating and making friends, and building the confidence they need for everything that follows.
Come and visit us
A welcoming Catholic primary in the heart of Sudbury, with classes of no more than 25, specialist teachers and care available from 7.45am to 6pm.
Upcoming open events
- Nov2Monday 2 November9.30am
Room for every child to shine
St Joseph's is a small school with a big family feel, tucked beside the Croft water meadows and river in the heart of Sudbury. With no more than 25 children in a class, every child gets real time and attention from their teacher and is supported to achieve their best. Families of all faiths and backgrounds, and those with none, are warmly welcomed.
Book a visitWhy families choose St Joseph's
Play that grows confident children
Our Outdoor Play and Learning Project makes the most of our spot beside the water meadows. Through play, children learn to communicate, cooperate, solve problems and take healthy risks, supporting their wellbeing as much as their learning.
Where hidden talents come to light
Specialist teachers lead music, French and art. Every child learns the violin, with the instrument provided free, and performs in concerts, while our native French teacher brings the language to life.
Learning that leaves the classroom
Every class visits the library each term, and trips to farms, zoos and museums make learning memorable. In Years 5 and 6, residentials near the Norfolk Broads and Suffolk coast bring fencing, rock climbing, canoeing and caving.
Extra help, right when it is needed
Our own speech and language therapist spots any difficulties early, extra adults in every class help with phonics, reading and maths, and school nurses from OM Health and Well-being visit regularly to support families.
Learning, growing and thriving together
Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7)
Children build strong foundations in reading, writing and maths. In 2025, 86% of our Year 1 pupils met the phonics standard, above the national figure of 81%.
Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11)
Older children grow in confidence through sport, leadership roles and residentials, and each year Years 5 and 6 host a student from a school in France to practise their language skills.
The family of St Joseph's is one in which each member is valued and respected for who they are.
Mrs Maria KembleExecutive Headteacher, St Joseph's Catholic Primary SchoolQuestions parents often ask
Do we have to be Catholic?
Not at all. St Joseph's is a warm, inclusive school community, and we welcome families of all faiths and backgrounds, and those with none, who share our ethos of respect and kindness.
Are there any fees?
No. St Joseph's is a state-funded school, so there are no school fees. Our optional breakfast and after-school club is booked separately.
How do I apply for a Reception place?
Apply through Suffolk County Council. For a September 2027 start, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Coming to an open day or a personal tour first is the best way to decide.
We'd love to show you around
We warmly welcome families to come and discover everything St Joseph's has to offer. Join us for one of our upcoming open days and see our wonderful school in action.
Beaconsfield Road, Sudbury, CO10 1JPGet directions01787 373365
Can't make the open day? We'd be delighted to arrange a personal tour so you can discover St Joseph's at a time that suits you.
Arrange a personal tour