The Cathedral School of St Mary
Plymouth, PL1 5HW · Plymouth · primary school
Check the area around this school
56th of 66 primary schools in Plymouth 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.7/10 against 1,013 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 47.0 · 15 | 62% | 0.92 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Cathedral School of St Mary overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% 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%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in swimming and can attend a breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 102 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific activities are included in the swimming programme? How does the school manage the transition for new entrants given the current capacity?
What Ofsted said about The Cathedral School of St Mary
Overview
The Cathedral School of St Mary provides a high-quality education characterised by "positive, trusting relationships" and an "inclusive culture." The report highlights "exceptional" pastoral support and "Outstanding" personal development, noting that pupils feel "happy and safe" and develop strong self-belief.
Strengths
- Reading is "central to the life of the school," with effective phonics teaching and rapid progress for pupils joining late or speaking English as an additional language.
- Staff are "well equipped to support pupils with social and emotional needs," fostering resilience through activities like residential visits.
- The school raises aspirations through careers clubs and talks from successful individuals, helping pupils develop an "ambitious outlook."
- Pupils demonstrate "mutual respect" and understand how school rules promote values such as "compassion and respect."
- Attendance is improving rapidly, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, supported by a culture where pupils know they will "miss out on" experiences if absent.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, assessment practices are not yet implemented consistently, meaning curriculum adaptations are "sometimes not well matched to pupils’ different starting points."
- The school should use assessment to "refine curriculum adaptations" so they more precisely help pupils build on existing knowledge.
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 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of PL1 5HW, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT