St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ipswich
Ipswich, IP4 4EU · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 — 8.3/10 against 4,112 of them, against 8.5/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 25.0 · 96 | 25% | 2.40 |
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, Ipswich overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 25.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. 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 (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in April 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including Coding, Lego Club, Gardening Club, and Orchestra Club. Sports options cover football, netball, and tag rugby. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 210 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 manage class sizes when the roll is at full capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? How is the breakfast club structured to support morning readiness?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Ipswich
Overview
The report describes a school where the motto ‘be ready, safe and respectful’ resonates throughout a ‘highly diverse school community’. Pupils behave and learn exceptionally well due to teachers’ ‘very high expectations’, resulting in an environment where children are safe, inquisitive, and articulate. The inspection concludes that the school provides an ‘outstanding level of education’ that prepares pupils ‘exceptionally well for the future’.
Strengths
- Leaders have constructed a ‘hugely broad and ambitious curriculum’, with teachers skilfully presenting knowledge in small stages and meticulously checking for gaps.
- Standards in reading, writing, and mathematics are ‘some of the highest in the country’, particularly notable as a third of pupils speak English as an additional language.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are accurately identified and receive precise support, enabling them to ‘access the full curriculum’ and ‘achieve highly’.
- Personal development is central to the ethos, nurturing ‘open-minded, kind and compassionate individuals’ who show ‘tremendous empathy’ and do not tolerate discrimination.
- Staff benefit from ‘high-quality training’ which strengthens subject knowledge, while leaders share expertise to support other schools within the trust.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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