Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School
Congleton, CW12 1HT · Cheshire East · primary school
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108th of 114 primary schools in Cheshire East we can score, 124 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 the 3,494 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.2 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 183 pupils against a stated capacity of 244. 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 to improve their attainment in maths? What specific steps are being taken to address the areas highlighted in the 2024 inspection? How does the school ensure that the curriculum remains engaging for all learners?
What Ofsted said about Saint Mary's Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school’s overall effectiveness ‘Requires improvement’, a significant change from its previous ‘Outstanding’ judgement. Inspectors found that while pupils enjoy a ‘welcoming’ environment and benefit from a broad curriculum, ‘weaknesses in the previous curriculum offer’ have left many with ‘gaps in their knowledge’. The school is currently addressing these issues through revised systems and external support.
Strengths
- Pupils ‘enjoy belonging’ to the school and ‘relish’ opportunities for cooperation, play, and activities such as ‘curling, trampolining and singing stars’.
- The school identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘swiftly’, providing effective support that helps them succeed.
- Staff have introduced high-quality resources that ‘reduce the amount of preparation time’, improving their ability to teach.
- Pupils receive a ‘well-thought-out curriculum’ for personal, social and health education, helping them understand how to ‘keep themselves safe online’.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure teachers know exactly what children in the early years ‘must learn and when this should be taught’ to prepare them for Year 1.
- Teachers need to ‘address gaps in pupils’ learning’ and provide sufficient opportunities to revisit key knowledge, as current checks do not always identify difficulties.
- The phonics programme requires consistent delivery and further staff training to ensure pupils become ‘fluent competent readers’ and develop a ‘love of reading’.
- Expectations for pupils’ work must be raised to foster ‘positive attitudes to learning’ and pride in their output.
- Pupils need a ‘deeper knowledge of fundamental British values’ to better prepare them for life in modern Britain.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’ and pupils are not at immediate risk, though the school lacks a ‘joined-up approach to recording’ concerns which hinders monitoring.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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