St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston
Chester le Street, DH2 1QX · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
135th 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 the 3,317 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8/10 among them, against 3.6/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 62% | 2.26 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 38% | 1.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.8 out of 10 among them, against 3.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 217 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
Since the results for the higher standard are below the national median, what specific support is provided to pupils aiming for that level? How does the school manage class sizes when the total roll exceeds the official place limit?
What Ofsted said about St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston
Overview
St Benet’s Catholic Primary School is described as a “vibrant” institution where pupils are “happy” and embody the principles of the ‘St Benet’s way’. The school has successfully settled following a period of disruption caused by building closures, maintaining high expectations for achievement and a strong Catholic ethos.
Strengths
- Pupils display “exemplary” conduct, speaking with “maturity” and learning “without distraction” in “purposeful” classrooms.
- The curriculum is “ambitious” and “knowledge-rich”, with teachers delivering engaging activities and effectively addressing misconceptions.
- Personal development is “excellent”, fostering positive character traits, moral values, and active participation in extra-curricular clubs.
- Reading is highly prioritised; the phonics programme is implemented “expertly”, helping most pupils become “fluent readers” who develop a “love of reading”.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve well”, with staff “skilfully” adapting lessons to ensure full access to the curriculum.
Areas to improve
- The school must continue addressing gaps in pupils’ mathematical knowledge resulting from “historical inconsistencies” in the delivery of the mathematics curriculum.
- The school should improve the early years outdoor learning environment, which is currently “less well developed” and does not support learning as effectively as the indoor setting.
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 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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