St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy
Knaresborough, HG5 9BG · North Yorkshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
104th of 252 primary schools in North Yorkshire we can score, 290 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 3,752 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
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 Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, 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 May 2025.
Getting in
The published school roll is 193 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 does a typical day look like for a child in the final year of primary education? How does the Catholic ethos influence daily routines and community engagement?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy
Overview
St Mary’s Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The school provides a welcoming community where pupils flourish, form warm relationships, and feel safe. Leaders ensure that pupil interests remain at the heart of every decision.
Strengths
- The curriculum is logically organised, allowing pupils to build on prior learning and develop "deep knowledge and understanding across the curriculum."
- Reading is a high priority, with children in Reception getting off to a "strong start" through a closely followed phonics programme.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with staff quickly identifying needs and providing "carefully planned adaptations."
- Pupils behave very well, responding positively to high expectations and learning new "virtues to live by" such as kindness and resilience.
- The school offers "exceptional opportunities" for personal development, including trips, visitors, and after-school clubs.
Areas to improve
- The school lacks a strategy for helping pupils who have fallen behind with writing, resulting in some struggling with tasks due to insecure basic skills.
Safeguarding
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 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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