St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Coundon
Bishop Auckland, DL14 8NN · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
130th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.9/10 against 1,435 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
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, Coundon overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 5.0% achieved this against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a breakfast club and take trips to Estepona, Spain, and Hardwick Park.
Getting in
The published school roll is 100 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 to reach the higher standard in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Coundon
Overview
The report describes a school that has experienced an "unsetled time" with significant staffing changes, yet leaders are "determined for all pupils to succeed." While recent improvements are "beginning to make a difference," the overall effectiveness is judged as "Requires improvement" due to inconsistent teaching in key subjects and leadership gaps.
Strengths
- Pupils are "happy and well cared for" in a "calm environment" where they feel safe and value each other’s individuality.
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with effective teaching noted in subjects like history.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils encouraged to discuss feelings, manage emotions, and learn how to keep themselves safe, including online.
- Attendance strategies are having a "positive impact," and staff appreciate support regarding workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Staff must use assessment processes "consistently well" to identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge of mathematics and reading.
- Leadership processes need development to provide "clear systems to monitor and improve provision," ensuring leaders understand what is working and what needs improvement.
- The early years curriculum must focus on key knowledge and skills across all areas, particularly communication and language, to better prepare children for Year 1.
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 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DL14 8NN, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT