St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Luton, LU1 4BB · Central Bedfordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
7th of 36 primary schools in Central Bedfordshire we can score, 95 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.3/10 against 3,110 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 41% | 1.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.06 |
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 overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 14.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Lego and Mindfulness Clubs, play football, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 229 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the regular school day?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Overview
Pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School benefit from recent improvements, with a curriculum that helps many achieve well and fosters confident, kind behaviour. Leaders work collaboratively to drive development, providing strong support and training that staff value, while governance offers suitable challenge. The school is described as a place where pupils feel happy, safe, and supported by trusted adults.
Strengths
- The curriculum is well-sequenced, with staff teaching words and ideas clearly so knowledge ‘sticks in their head’.
- Pupils display ‘wonderfully charming’ manners and good humour, shaped by a focus on school values.
- Leaders provide effective training and coaching, ensuring staff feel proud and supported in their roles.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is a strength, with clear, measurable targets in support plans.
- Assessment practices, including ‘live marking’, allow teachers to address mistakes promptly and share clear progress information with parents.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must train teachers to ensure a small proportion of pupils who missed early phonics instruction quickly learn to read challenging texts in key stage 2.
- The early years curriculum requires amendment to include a clear progression of knowledge and skills across pre-school, Nursery, and Reception years.
- Staff must organise a wider range of extra-curricular activities so more pupils can realise and develop their interests and talents.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with knowledgeable staff completing necessary checks and leaders maintaining comprehensive records to ensure vulnerable pupils receive support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of LU1 4BB, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT