St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Dipton
Stanley, DH9 9BB · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
75th 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 — 6.2/10 against 2,592 of them, against 5.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Dipton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 141 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 are working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school provision? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Dipton
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted now. The school fosters an ‘extremely positive learning environment’ where pupils are ‘safe and happy’, embodying values of being ‘respectful, responsible and ready to learn’. High-quality teaching and ambitious curricula ensure pupils achieve well and develop a ‘tangible love of reading’.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from ‘positive and nurturing relationships’ with adults, resulting in high levels of engagement and a strong sense of community pride.
- A ‘bespoke phonics programme’ taught by ‘highly trained staff’ has ‘exceptional impact’, helping pupils become ‘fluent and confident readers’.
- Curriculums are ‘ambitious and well-sequenced’, with ‘secure subject knowledge’ among staff ensuring clear progression in skills and knowledge.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are ‘well supported’, with effective adaptations ensuring they can succeed alongside peers.
- Leaders prioritise staff well-being, ensuring staff are ‘well supported to fulfil their roles’ while maintaining high expectations for the school community.
Areas to improve
- The school is taking ‘effective action to improve attendance even further’, as leaders hold ‘very high ambitions’ for attendance beyond current national figures.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, noting that staff are well-trained and pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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