St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blackhall
Hartlepool, TS27 4HE · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th 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 — 9.8/10 against 2,458 of them, against 9.4/10 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 | 85.0 · 94 | 40% | 3.75 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 23.0 · 95 | 25% | 2.37 |
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, Blackhall overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 85.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 23.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a Breakfast Club, Teatime Club, Archery club, and football.
Getting in
The published school roll is 84 pupils against a stated capacity of 94. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the Teatime Club? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from Year 6?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blackhall
Overview
This ungraded inspection found that the school’s work “may have improved significantly across all areas” since its previous graded inspection, prompting a future graded review. Pupils “achieve exceptionally well” within a “nurturing and aspirational atmosphere” where they are proud to contribute to the school’s ethos. The report highlights a highly inclusive environment with “exceptional” behaviour and a curriculum that inspires confidence and success for all learners.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “carefully designed” to help pupils build secure understanding, with staff using “rapid recall” and timely interventions to ensure “no child is left behind.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “flourish” due to high-quality support, quick identification of needs, and effective partnerships with parents and agencies.
- Reading is a clear priority; children learn to read “quickly and fluently” through expert teaching and daily phonics lessons, with additional support provided for those who need it.
- Behaviour is described as “exceptional,” with pupils conducting themselves with “maturity,” kindness, and a deep understanding of fairness and respect.
- The early years provision offers “well-thought-out experiences” that prepare children well for Year 1, fostering curiosity and confidence through high-quality staff interactions.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 85% |
| 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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