St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School
Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 2ND · East Sussex · primary school
Check the area around this school
24th of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 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 the 4,123 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 6.2/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 62% | 3.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 38% | 3.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. A further 14.0% reached the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, cross-country, rounders, swimming, and the Race for Life. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 pupils against a stated capacity of 211. 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 reaching the higher standard? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How are the 3 remaining places allocated for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils embody the school ethos of ‘Let your light shine’, demonstrating confident and articulate discussions about their learning. The school is described as a "calm and happy place" where pupils behave extremely well and show high levels of respect. Leaders provide committed staff with helpful training, ensuring high expectations are met across the curriculum.
Strengths
- Pupils display "very positive attitudes to learning" and work hard to meet high expectations, resulting in lively and purposeful classrooms.
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," with teachers using secure subject knowledge to explain learning clearly and identify gaps in understanding.
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with well-trained staff teaching phonics consistently and ensuring books are closely matched to pupils’ known sounds.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified swiftly and make clear progress, learning the same curriculum content as their peers.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils developing "very mature attitudes to diversity" and understanding the importance of respect and tolerance.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, learning activities are not always selected carefully enough, meaning pupils do not learn the curriculum as deeply as they could. The school should ensure teachers have the skills to design activities that implement the ambitious curriculum consistently well across all subjects.
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 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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