St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanley
Stanley, DH9 0NP · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
58th 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 — 6.6/10 against 3,809 of them, against 6.3/10 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
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, Stanley overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 203 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanley
Overview
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary, Stanley continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming environment where pupils are happy, safe, and proud of their community. The inspection confirms that staff maintain high expectations and that the Catholic ethos encourages kindness and mutual respect among pupils.
Strengths
- The school has introduced an "ambitious curriculum" with a strong focus on vocabulary, enabling pupils to be "articulate" and use new terms confidently.
- The reading curriculum is "highly effective," with expert staff ensuring children learn to read "quickly and fluently" from Reception.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from "tailored support" and "well-timed interventions," with needs identified quickly.
- Children in the early years make a "positive start," displaying "delightful" interactions and wonderful manners.
- Staff feel well-supported, with workload not being a concern, and governors provide "effective support and challenge."
Areas to improve
- Some pupils have a "very limited understanding of other religions" and aspects of equalities, meaning they lack the knowledge to demonstrate the respect they intend.
- The school’s systems to improve attendance for some pupils have "yet to have the impact leaders intend."
- A small group of parents feel the school does not communicate effectively, limiting their ability to support their child’s education.
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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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