St Bede's Catholic Primary School
Darlington, DL1 3ES · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
16th of 27 primary schools in Darlington we can score, 29 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 4,255 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3/10 among them, against 4.6/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 62% | 3.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 38% | 1.54 |
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, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3 out of 10 among them, against 4.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 322 pupils against a stated capacity of 289. 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 working towards the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about St Bede's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Bede’s Catholic Primary School is described as having a “strong family ethos” where relationships are “positive and nurturing.” The report states that pupils are happy, behave well, and feel safe, with outcomes improving for all, including those with special educational needs. The new leadership team has brought “stability and direction,” resulting in high parental regard and effective safeguarding arrangements.
Strengths
- Staff model “kindness and respect” exceptionally well, creating a calm and purposeful learning environment.
- The early reading curriculum is implemented well, with adults quickly identifying gaps to help pupils become “confident, fluent readers.”
- Children receive a “secure start” in the early years, with a strong focus on language, physical, and social skills.
- Pupils have many leadership opportunities, such as ‘eco-warriors’, and their voices are actively sought by the school.
- Attendance has improved over time due to the school’s “strong relationships with parents.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, checks on pupils’ understanding are not consistently used to ensure they learn the right skills at the right time, limiting learning for some.
- Support plans for some pupils with SEND lack specificity, meaning activities are not always well matched to their needs, preventing them from securing basic knowledge before moving on.
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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