The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School
Northampton, NN2 7BH · West Northamptonshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
90th of 138 primary schools in West Northamptonshire we can score, 147 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 — 3.5/10 against 3,670 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 62% | 1.98 |
| 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 Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (3.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a Kidz Club, alongside a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 282 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 literacy? What specific activities take place during the Kidz Club sessions?
What Ofsted said about The Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils feel valued, safe, and enthusiastic about learning, underpinned by a strong Catholic ethos. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum that is well structured, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics, resulting in high levels of pupil achievement and positive behaviour.
Strengths
- Pupils are polite, respectful, and learn harmoniously, guided by the school’s core ‘virtues’ of faith, hope, forgiveness, love, and trust.
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious and engaging’, with clear sequencing that helps pupils retain knowledge, particularly in core subjects.
- Reading is a ‘constant priority’, with effective phonics teaching and well-matched books helping pupils become ‘confident and fluent readers’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘well supported to be successful’ and have the same opportunities as their peers.
- Staff feel valued, and the trust provides collaborative support and training opportunities that enhance the quality of education.
Areas to improve
- Staff checks on pupils’ knowledge in some subjects and the early years do not consistently spot misunderstandings, meaning pupils do not always build knowledge as securely as they could.
- The school lacks a secure understanding of how well pupils are learning in some subjects, limiting its ability to make timely improvements.
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 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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