St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley
Chester le Street, DH3 2PN · Gateshead · primary school
Check the area around this school
5th of 62 primary schools in Gateshead we can score, 66 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.1/10 against 2,685 of them, against 8.3/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 62% | 4.91 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 38% | 3.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The school achieved a higher standard for 18.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 105 pupils against a stated capacity of 120. 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 expected standard in maths? What does a typical lunchtime look like for children who do not join a named club? How does the school maintain its strong results in reading and writing across the year group?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley
Overview
Pupils “flourish at this welcoming and highly inclusive school,” where they “achieve exceptionally well” and leave “very well prepared for the challenges of secondary education.” The inspection found that classrooms “buzz with engaging and meaningful learning,” supported by staff who deliver a “meticulously designed” curriculum with high aspirations for pupil achievement.
Strengths
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with staff delivering phonics “very effectively” and promoting oracy as an “area of excellence.”
- The broad curriculum is “meticulously designed” to ensure pupils develop a “secure and deep body of knowledge” through regular revisiting of key concepts.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are swiftly identified and supported, allowing them to “learn successfully alongside their peers.”
- Personal development is “exceptional,” with pupils guided to consider their role in society, celebrate diversity, and develop compassion and resilience.
- Behaviour is “exemplary” and attendance is high, underpinned by a “fair and clear behaviour system” and positive relationships.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 84% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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