St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland, DL14 6QH · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
142nd 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 — 3.0/10 against 1,154 of them, against 2.5/10 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 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, Bishop Auckland overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 219 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 the inspection was recent, what specific actions have been taken to support reading progress since March 2025? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main curriculum for pupils who attend?
What Ofsted said about St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, Bishop Auckland
Overview
St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The report describes a nurturing environment where pupils flourish, displaying strong relationships with adults and positive attitudes towards learning. While the school maintains high expectations for behaviour and achievement, it is currently developing strategies to better support pupils who are not making the progress they are capable of.
Strengths
- Pupils are described as "polite and well mannered" within a "calm and purposeful" classroom environment.
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with learning "carefully sequenced" to help pupils build knowledge and develop curiosity.
- Reading is prioritised from the start, with staff trained to teach early reading effectively and books matching the sounds pupils are learning.
- The school offers a "strong personal development offer," preparing pupils for life in modern Britain through topics like democracy and healthy relationships.
- Staff well-being is supported, and relationships between staff, pupils, the trust, governors, and parents are "extremely positive."
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is not always suitably adapted for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) or those facing disadvantage, meaning some do not learn as well as they should.
- The school and trust must ensure staff are supported to make appropriate adaptations so that all pupils learn well across all subjects.
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| 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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