St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill
Consett, DH8 8JD · County Durham · primary school
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69th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,088 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1/10 among them, against 5.5/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| 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 Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill 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 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.1 out of 10 among them, against 5.5 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 pupils against a stated capacity of 270. 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 maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill
Overview
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill continues to be a good school. It is described as a welcoming environment where pupils feel safe and are ready to learn, supported by staff with excellent subject knowledge. The report highlights a positive culture where pupils engage well in lessons and respond to high behavioural expectations.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy learning and engage well, with a "buzz of activity" in early years where children are confident and creative.
- The teaching of phonics is "very successful," resulting in fluent readers, while mathematics oversight has strengthened to address previous attainment dips.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "well supported" through adapted lessons and effective use of sensory resources.
- Behaviour routines are "well established," with pupils being highly respectful and attendance improving due to effective absence follow-up systems.
- Staff feel well supported by leaders who have engaged effectively to reduce workload, and pupils develop spiritually through worship and community engagement.
Areas to improve
- The school must monitor the implementation and impact of some subject curriculums, particularly history, more effectively to ensure consistent teaching and secure pupil knowledge.
- Leaders should continue to develop initiatives that encourage pupils, especially in key stage 2, to read more widely and regularly to foster a love of reading.
- Communication procedures with parents need to be reviewed and improved to address concerns that have negatively impacted some parents' views of the school.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 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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