St Mary's and St Benedict's Roman Catholic Primary School
Preston, PR5 6TA · Lancashire · primary school
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318th of 448 primary schools in Lancashire we can score, 481 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 — 3.7/10 against 2,325 of them, against 3.3/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 62% | 1.36 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
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's and St Benedict's Roman Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% 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% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join PASTA, Tots on Tyres, Scootsafe, and Bikeability clubs. Sports include netball, cricket, football, cross country running, hockey, basketball, and the Daily Mile. Trips visit Anderton Outdoor Education Centre, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 251 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 below the expected standard in literacy? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with maths? How does the school manage the transition for new starters?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's and St Benedict's Roman Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a "happy school" where pupils settle quickly and feel safe due to strong staff relationships. While behaviour, personal development, and leadership are rated as "Good", the quality of education is judged as "Requires improvement" because some pupils have "gaps in their knowledge" and struggle with reading fluency.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, listen attentively, and are "polite, friendly and caring towards each other."
- Staff forge "strong relationships with pupils and their families," helping children feel secure.
- The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), allowing them to learn alongside peers.
- Personal development is "well considered," with pupils discussing issues like online safety with maturity.
- Governors provide "effective challenge and support," ensuring the school focuses on the right improvements.
Areas to improve
- Staff must check learning more effectively to identify and address "gaps in pupils’ knowledge" before moving them on to new concepts.
- The school needs to clarify the most important knowledge in subjects where curriculum planning is insufficient, ensuring pupils build a "secure body of knowledge."
- Support for pupils struggling to read fluently must be more precise to help them "catch up quickly."
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 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 36% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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