St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Newton Aycliffe
Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5NP · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
107th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.8/10 against 1,335 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 62% | 3.32 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 38% | 1.13 |
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, Newton Aycliffe overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 162 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
Since 66.0% met the expected standard, what specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How does the school engage parents in monitoring progress during the year?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Newton Aycliffe
Overview
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School is described as a “calm, kind and friendly” environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and well-supported. The report highlights a strong school culture that fosters positive relationships, character development, and high ambitions for every pupil, with staff working together to place pupils at the heart of provision.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a curriculum with “clear and high ambitions” that is carefully rooted in local context and helps them understand national and international issues.
- Teachers possess a “firm understanding” of their subjects, enabling them to help pupils build secure knowledge, particularly in mathematics, and identify learning gaps.
- The school has successfully raised the profile of reading, with pupils becoming “confident, fluent readers” and staff providing effective support for those finding it difficult.
- Pupils receive high-quality pastoral support and opportunities to develop leadership skills through roles such as school councillors and eco team members.
- Robust attendance systems allow the school to identify and support pupils who may need help, resulting in improved attendance rates.
Areas to improve
- The school’s writing approach is not fully embedded, meaning pupils’ writing skills are not consistently developed; staff require further support to implement the new approach effectively.
- Support in the early years is not always consistent, preventing some children from making rapid progress through the ambitious curriculum; the school must ensure all aspects of development are promoted consistently.
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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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