St Godrics Catholic Primary School, Thornley
Durham, DH6 3NR · County Durham · primary school
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108th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.2/10 against 2,490 of them, against 3.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Godrics Catholic Primary School, Thornley overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 75 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 bridge the gap between the current 43.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific activities take place during the breakfast and after-school clubs? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the difference in attainment compared to similar schools?
What Ofsted said about St Godrics Catholic Primary School, Thornley
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Godrics Catholic Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school continues to provide a high-quality education within a “nurturing and welcoming” environment where pupils thrive. Leaders and staff demonstrate a “relentless commitment” to ensuring the school continues to improve.
Strengths
- Pupils “love attending” the school, feeling “happy and safe” in a setting where staff “care deeply” for them and foster “strong, lasting and positive relationships.”
- The curriculum is “broad, ambitious and well-organised,” with teachers using “expert questioning” to ensure pupils “deepen their learning” and build knowledge over time.
- Behaviour is described as “exemplary,” with pupils showing a “strong sense of pride” and working together in a “highly positive way.”
- Staff deliver phonics “expertly,” ensuring pupils become “fluent and confident readers” through closely matched books and swift support for any gaps.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “fully included” and access the “same ambitious curriculum” as their peers.
Areas to improve
- The report states that “some aspects of the schools’ work to promote pupils’ personal development do not widen pupils’ understanding and attributes as well as others.” The school should “further refine these aspects” so pupils fully benefit from the experiences on offer.
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 | 86% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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