St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Middleton
Manchester, M24 5GL · Rochdale · primary school
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46th of 55 primary schools in Rochdale we can score, 69 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 — 1.1/10 against 2,342 of them, against 1.4/10 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 | 48.0 · 16 | 40% | 0.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
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 Roman Catholic Primary School, Middleton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (1.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Manchester Arts Initiative, the Linking Project with Smithy Bridge, and ALTRU Theatre. Trips include visits to M6 Theatre. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 462 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help with reading or maths?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Middleton
Overview
Pupils at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School are described as happy, keen learners who arrive with a “beaming smile” and show high levels of respect within a diverse community. Leaders have set “high aspirations” for achievement and behaviour, successfully closing gaps resulting from the pandemic and ensuring children in the early years are well prepared for Year 1. The school fosters a positive atmosphere where bullying is dealt with successfully, helping pupils feel safe and supported.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils,” delivered in a logical order with clear end points, leading to quickly improving achievement in many subjects.
- A “love of reading permeates the school,” supported by a well-stocked library and a structured phonics programme where staff model sounds accurately.
- Pupils demonstrate strong personal development, treating each other with kindness and showing a secure understanding of equality and diversity.
- Pastoral care is strong, with staff prioritising pupils’ physical and mental health, while leaders effectively manage staff workload and well-being.
- Early years provision ensures children learn school rules and routines quickly, helping them settle into school life without distraction.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should “finalise their curriculum thinking” in a few remaining subjects where changes are not yet embedded, to further improve pupil achievement.
- Leaders must ensure staff receive additional training to adapt curriculum delivery for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), as some adaptations lack sufficient clarity.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with well-established systems ensuring staff are trained to spot risks and make effective connections with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 2024/25 | 48% |
| 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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