Our Lady and St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willington
Crook, DL15 0PB · County Durham · primary school
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129th of 188 primary schools in County Durham we can score, 208 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 — 2.8/10 against 2,690 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Our Lady and St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willington overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Forest School, Gardening Club, Book Club, Jack Drum Arts, and Craft Clubs, alongside a Multi-Sports Gala and Theatre productions. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 122 pupils against a stated capacity of 126. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes?
What Ofsted said about Our Lady and St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willington
Overview
Pupils love attending this "friendly and inclusive" school where they demonstrate "exemplary behaviours" and "consistently positive attitudes to their learning." The curriculum is "well planned" with clear progression, and staff possess "secure subject knowledge" that helps pupils understand complex concepts. Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with effective leadership and strong community links.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "excellent" behaviour, being "polite, kind and courteous" to peers and adults, with older pupils successfully modelling positive conduct for younger children.
- The curriculum is broken down into "manageable chunks," ensuring pupils "remember what they have learned" through routine revisiting of key knowledge.
- Reading is a clear priority; adults read to pupils daily, and "most older pupils are skilled readers" who benefit from targeted interventions when needed.
- Staff and leaders provide high levels of support for wellbeing, with the trust offering "effective challenge and support" to drive school improvement.
- Pupils develop strong character through leadership roles and have a "thorough understanding of fundamental British values" and online safety.
Areas to improve
- Ensure consistent delivery of phonics lessons and that reading books match pupils’ phonics knowledge, as some early readers are currently using books that are "too difficult."
- Improve the precision of plans for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as current adaptations are not always "clear and precise enough" to meet individual needs.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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