St Bede's Catholic Primary School
Bedlington, NE22 6EQ · Northumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st of 60 primary schools in Northumberland we can score, 127 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 4,308 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4/10 among them, against 4.4/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Bede's Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.4 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 205 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific areas did the March 2026 Ofsted inspection highlight for improvement?
What Ofsted said about St Bede's Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are “proud to be part of the community of learning” and feel safe. Leaders have driven “steady improvement” in pupil outcomes since the last inspection, with attendance now “well above national averages.” The school is fulfilling the expected standard of education, supported by a “well-sequenced curriculum” and strong staff training.
Strengths
- Attendance has improved significantly and is “well above national averages” for all pupil groups.
- Pupils behave “calmly and respectfully,” with bullying allegations addressed “swiftly.”
- The curriculum is “well sequenced,” with reading as a foundation and expert phonics delivery.
- Staff make “thoughtful adaptations” for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Parents and carers are “overwhelmingly positive” about the progress made since the last inspection.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should give higher priority to developing pupils’ “foundational knowledge in writing, such as pencil grip and letter formation.”
- Leaders should regularly evaluate the impact of the two new enhanced provisions for pupils with SEND on behaviour and academic progress.
- Leaders should ensure learning opportunities in the early years outdoor environment are as effective as those indoors, specifically for language development.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 30% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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