Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Sleaford, NG34 7AT · Lincolnshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
140th of 252 primary schools in Lincolnshire we can score, 279 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.6/10 against 1,241 of them, against 3.5/10 nationally. 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 | 38.0 · 7 | 40% | 0.27 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
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 of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 14.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 146 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the academy structure affect day-to-day teaching decisions?
What Ofsted said about Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders are "ambitious for all pupils to achieve well," particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Pupils behave well, enjoy coming to school, and there is a "calm atmosphere" where they are respectful of difference and proud of their school.
Strengths
- Children learn to read from Reception, with a "consistent approach to delivering the phonics programme" and staff who "swiftly identify when pupils fall behind."
- Leaders have established an "ambitious and well-structured curriculum" where teachers’ subject knowledge is good and they make "tangible connections with big concepts."
- The early years provision is a "vibrant place" where the curriculum is well planned and adults "facilitate children’s learning effectively."
- Pupils develop as responsible citizens through initiatives like the school council and ‘Mini Vinnies’, who contribute to the wider community.
- Staff work in partnership with parents to support pupils with SEND, with "clear targets" that are typically met.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, staff are not checking what pupils remember of past learning, leading to "gaps in what some pupils know and remember."
- In a few subjects, subject leaders have not checked curriculum implementation, resulting in "inconsistencies in what teachers are delivering."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong" culture where leaders are "tenacious in ensuring that pupils are safe" and staff report concerns systematically.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| 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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