Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Shotton
Durham, DH6 2JQ · County Durham · primary school
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51st 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.1/10 against 2,257 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
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 Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Shotton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 156 pupils against a stated capacity of 168. 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 expected standards in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the Catholic ethos influence daily classroom routines and community engagement?
What Ofsted said about Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Shotton
Overview
The inspection found that the school provides a high-quality education underpinned by its Catholic foundation, where "caring relationships" and "mutual respect" are central to school life. Pupils demonstrate "outstanding" behaviour and are "keen to learn," benefiting from an ambitious curriculum that effectively supports personal development and academic achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "excellent behaviour" in lessons and on the playground, creating a "calm and friendly atmosphere."
- The curriculum is "progressive and well sequenced," with strong emphasis on reading, where staff deliver phonics effectively to build fluency.
- Teachers possess "strong knowledge" of their subjects and use regular checks to address gaps in pupils’ understanding.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive accurate identification and "specialist, professional support," enabling them to achieve well.
- Leaders prioritise attendance and personal development, offering opportunities such as sports clubs, trips, and leadership roles like the school council.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, learning activities are "not as well selected" and do not fully support intended learning, making it harder for pupils to acquire new knowledge securely.
- The school should ensure tasks are "well matched to the intended learning" to help pupils’ knowledge and skills build securely over time.
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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