St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy
Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 0LY · Stoke-on-Trent · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th of 64 primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent we can score, 71 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 — 8.2/10 against 986 of them, against 6.5/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 41% | 2.98 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.76 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 26% | 1.29 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Study Support Club, play football, athletics, tag rugby, tennis, multi skills, yoga, lacrosse or fencing, and participate in the Songbirds choir or small group string tuition. A breakfast club and after-school club are available, and pupils attend the Young Voices concert.
Getting in
The published school roll is 231 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Study Support Club?
What Ofsted said about St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy
Overview
St Maria Goretti Catholic Academy continues to be a good school where pupils thrive in a caring environment. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in well-behaved students who take pride in their work and contribute positively to the community. The curriculum is well designed, with a strong emphasis on reading and progressive learning that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils are given meaningful roles, such as peer mediation and food hygiene training, which help them develop ambitions for future careers.
- Reading is central to the curriculum, with a ‘language-rich’ approach and innovative methods like older pupils acting out stories for younger children.
- The wider curriculum is ‘very well planned’ and progressive, using assessment effectively to check retention and adapt learning.
- Staff report positive workload and well-being, supported by strong trust and governor provision of high-quality subject training.
- Attendance is improving due to targeted support for parents of pupils who are regularly off school.
Areas to improve
- Phonics activities are occasionally too hard, preventing pupils from practising precise letter sounds; work must be better matched to ensure fluent reading.
- Some pupils lack strategies for independent learning, causing delays when they get stuck; leaders must ensure pupils know how to access resources before seeking teacher help.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders developing strong relationships with families and working with external agencies to ensure children receive timely help.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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