St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Nr Wigan, WN5 7QJ · St. Helens · primary school
Check the area around this school
7th of 52 primary schools in St. Helens we can score, 54 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 3,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.4/10 among them, against 8.9/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
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, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.4 out of 10 among them, against 8.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club, an after-school club, and holds Sports Day.
Getting in
The published school roll is 177 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 support pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "happy" and feel "safe," striving to reflect the core value of respect. Leaders maintain high ambitions for achievement, ensuring pupils leave "well prepared for their next stage of education." The inspection highlights strong personal development and effective teaching in core subjects, alongside a supportive culture for staff and the wider community.
Strengths
- The curriculum for English and mathematics is "ambitious and taught well," with teachers effectively checking prior knowledge to build secure learning.
- Personal development is "exemplary," with pupils developing a "deep and meaningful understanding of British values" and pride in treating everyone equally.
- Reading is central to the curriculum; staff are "expert" in phonics, and pupils become "fluent and confident readers" by the end of key stage 1.
- Governors provide "effective support and challenge," while the school is "considerate of staff’s workload and well-being."
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), benefit from a "broad range of enrichment opportunities" such as charity fundraising and community performances.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of wider curriculum subjects, the school has not set out "in sufficient detail the key knowledge that pupils should learn," hindering knowledge deepening.
- For a "very small number of pupils with SEND," lesson activities are not "consistently adapted well," resulting in insecure learning.
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 | 97% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| 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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