SchoolScoresSt Mary's Catholic School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Benton Park Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7PE
0191 215 3260 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 12 September 2023.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
148 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne comparisons use the 16 of its 22 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 6 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Newcastle-upon-Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 2nd highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 86% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 93% | 81% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 2nd highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 87% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 95% | 84% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 3rd highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 82% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 90% | 77% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 39 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 7th highest of 14 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 34% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 44% | 45% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 107 parents who had raised a concern 7th highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 57% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73% | 67% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 3rd highest of 16 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 85% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92%said yes | 76% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Newcastle-upon-Tyne figures pool parents at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
228 pupils in this year group.
69% — 23 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 24 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 69% | 46% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 58.9 | 43.9 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 5.4 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
233 pupils in this year group.
94% — 8 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 94% | 86% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 56% | 39% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Further education college | 32% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 97% | 94% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
127 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 27% | 24% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 54% | 50% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 35.4 | 33.5 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
23 subjects, 348 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 42 | 7% | 45% | 40% |
| Psychology | 39 | 0% | 15% | 19% |
| Biology | 36 | 3% | 31% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 35 | 3% | 26% | 30% |
| English Language | 33 | 3% | 18% | 13% |
| Physics | 25 | 12% | 32% | 31% |
| Sociology | 23 | 4% | 9% | 20% |
| Geography | 17 | 6% | 24% | 23% |
| Economics | 14 | 7% | 21% | 26% |
| English Literature | 12 | 8% | 33% | 23% |
| History | 11 | 9% | 64% | 23% |
| Religious Studies | 10 | 0% | 20% | 22% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 9 | 0% | 22% | 24% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 7 | 0% | 29% | 19% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 7 | 0% | 14% | 17% |
| Film Studies | 6 | 0% | 50% | 17% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 6 | 0% | 50% | 59% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Fine Art), Design and Technology (Product Design), French, Spanish, Music, Art and Design (Photography).
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
125 students in this year group.
90% — 16 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 11 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 90% | 74% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 9% | 7% |
| Work | 10% | 29% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 87% | 90% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
143 students in this year group.
85% — 36 points above the Newcastle upon Tyne average, and 25 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 85% | 49% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 40% | 11% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 88% | 85% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Newcastle upon Tyne. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 2 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 225 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 414 |
| Of those, offered a place | 221 (53%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 993 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.8 · 2025: 1.8 · 2026: 1.8
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Newcastle upon Tyne | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 16th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 43% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 24.4% | 43.3%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 11th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 57% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.2% | 3.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 16th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 38% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.2% | 14.6%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 6th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 71% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 22.6% | 24.0%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 5th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 75% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.9% | 9.7%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 5th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 76% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 17.7% | 25.4%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 3rd lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 82% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.1 | 42.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 5th lowest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Lower than 80% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 3.3% | 10.1% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.07% | 0.34% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 14th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 33% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 16.0 | 16.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 79% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.2 | 11.4 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year Joint 19th highest of 21 state secondary schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Higher than 2% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 3.6% | 10.1%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Hopespring Newcastle 0.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Outstanding (2025)
- Jesmond Park Academy 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 55% grade 5+ English and maths
- Gosforth Central Middle School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2015), confirmed 2024
- Gosforth East Middle School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2023
- Longbenton High School 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 28% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Newcastle School 1.2 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 15% A*/A at A level
- Gosforth Junior High Academy 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023)
- Gosforth Academy 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 63% grade 5+ English and maths
- Westfield School 1.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 18% A*/A at A level
- Newcastle High School for Girls GDST 1.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 37% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St Mary's Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
St Mary's Catholic School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 12 September 2023.
How did St Mary's Catholic School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 69% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 24 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St Mary's Catholic School?
92% of the 148 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend St Mary's Catholic School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St Mary's Catholic School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 414 families put St Mary's Catholic School as their first choice for 225 places: about 2 first-choice applications for every place. 221 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 140081.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.