St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Newcastle Under Lyme, ST5 2TA · Staffordshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
117th of 217 primary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 310 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 — 4.6/10 against 3,673 of them, against 4.8/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
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, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Bikeability, with both a breakfast club and an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 444 pupils against a stated capacity of 455. 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 to progress from the expected to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the after-school provision? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Overview
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a “warm and welcoming place” where pupils are happy and feel safe. Leaders maintain high aspirations, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual respect that reflects the school’s Catholic values.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy learning in a “calm and orderly” environment where bullying is effectively managed and relationships are based on “mutual respect”.
- Teachers have a “good understanding” of subjects, using assessment well to ensure pupils “learn the curriculum well and make good progress”.
- Leaders have prioritised reading, creating opportunities for pupils to become “confident, fluent readers” through mentoring and a revamped library.
- Staff support each other effectively, with leaders ensuring manageable workloads and an “open-door policy”.
- Pupils develop strong personal skills, becoming “responsible, active citizens” who engage in charity work and take on roles such as school ambassadors.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must fully embed the new reading scheme to ensure all staff deliver it to a “consistently high standard” so all pupils learn to read well.
- Leaders need to ensure support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is more precise, as current plans do not accurately identify what staff need to do to help these pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff taking pupils’ welfare seriously and ensuring families receive the right help at the right time.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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 ST5 2TA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT