St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Benwell
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE15 6JB · Newcastle upon Tyne · primary school
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36th of 63 primary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne we can score, 72 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 — 7.3/10 against 993 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
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 Primary School, Benwell overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 224 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the Catholic ethos influence daily classroom routines?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Benwell
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a "warm and caring place" with a "strong feeling of community." Pupils are "well behaved and enthusiastic about their learning," benefiting from high expectations and effective support for those with additional needs.
Strengths
- The school is a "haven" where pupils feel safe, with values of "love, trust and respect" well understood by all.
- Reading instruction is "highly successful," with expert phonics teaching helping many pupils who initially spoke little English become "confident, articulate" readers.
- Mathematical knowledge and skills are a "particular strength," with an ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
- Staff are "thoroughly trained" to support pupils with additional needs, ensuring their needs are "well met" as they progress.
- Leaders ensure differences are celebrated, with intolerant language or bullying "never accepted," and attendance support is "excellent."
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, the sequence of learning is not clearly set out, meaning staff do not consistently focus on key knowledge; the school should review these curricula to ensure they build on prior learning.
- Checking of pupils’ understanding is "somewhat inconsistent" across the curriculum, sometimes missing opportunities to address gaps in knowledge.
- Outdoor learning provision in the early years is not as well considered as indoor activities, limiting vocabulary development; the school should review this to effectively support literacy and numeracy.
Safeguarding
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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