Cottesmore St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Hove, BN3 6NB · Brighton and Hove · primary school
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5th of 42 primary schools in Brighton and Hove we can score, 47 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 5.9/10 against 4,217 of them, against 6.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cottesmore St Mary's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 6.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Fairtrade Club, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 436 pupils against a stated capacity of 436. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the Fairtrade Club? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll matches capacity?
What Ofsted said about Cottesmore St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Overview
Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a culture where pupils are “resilient and curious learners” who take pride in their work. The school is well led, with staff feeling valued and supported, while pupils benefit from a broad curriculum that includes enriching experiences such as forest school. Personal development is highlighted as a particular strength, with pupils demonstrating a strong moral compass and social awareness.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy reading, supported by “highly effective phonics teaching” and a wide range of books in the ‘Cottesmore Reading Spine’.
- Mathematics is taught effectively, with teachers using clear explanations and recaps to help pupils build “secure foundations” and become confident mathematicians.
- Personal development is outstanding; pupils act as “active citizens,” engaging in projects like recycling campaigns and learning about different cultures.
- Relationships are “positive and caring,” with bullying being rare and pupils feeling safe and happy.
- Staff well-being is prioritised, with leaders ensuring manageable workloads and governors actively supporting school improvement.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, such as science and geography, pupils do not always remember what they have learned or link it to previous knowledge.
- Senior leaders should refine the curriculum to ensure there are “enough opportunities for pupils to revisit gaps in their learning” across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safeguarding” where staff are well trained to identify risks and act swiftly to keep children safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Open day3 Nov 2026
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
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