St Mary's Catholic Primary
Chesterfield, S40 4ST · Derbyshire · primary school
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73rd of 263 primary schools in Derbyshire we can score, 354 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 — 6.3/10 against 4,247 of them, against 6.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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 Catholic Primary overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Board Games Club, Cardboard Robotics, Circus Skills, Origami, Musical Theatre, Samba, and Dodgeball. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 433 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
With 433 pupils, how are class sizes managed during the school day? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum for those who attend?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary
Overview
St Mary’s Catholic Primary is described as a “happy and welcoming place” where pupils are proud and embrace the motto ‘Let Your Light Shine’. The inspection confirms that the school continues to be good, with highly positive behaviour and a strong sense of community among pupils.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “amazing manners” and a strong sense of community, treating everyone with respect.
- Reading is a priority, with “expertly trained staff” quickly identifying and supporting those who fall behind in phonics.
- The curriculum is “ambitious and engaging,” with essential knowledge carefully sequenced for most subjects.
- Teachers use effective methods, such as diagrams and model actions, to help pupils understand concepts and vocabulary.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils are “well supported” with precise identification of needs.
Areas to improve
- The school should complete curriculum sequencing in areas where it is not yet finished to ensure pupils build knowledge effectively.
- Leaders must ensure pupils have sufficient time to practise what they are learning, rather than moving on before understanding is secure.
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 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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