St George's Catholic Primary School, Bells Close

About St George's Catholic Primary School, Bells Close

Parents considering St George's Catholic Primary School, Bells Close, will find a school that is clearly in demand. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 18 applications for just 8 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.25. All 8 first-preference applicants were offered a place, which suggests that while competition is real, those who put it first have a strong chance. The school is a Roman Catholic state primary for mixed-gender pupils aged 3 to 11, with a nursery provision attached. With only 88 pupils on roll against a capacity of 160, the school is operating well below its maximum, which may mean smaller class sizes and a more intimate feel than some larger primaries in Newcastle upon Tyne. The headteacher is Anne Bullerwell, and the school sits in the Newcastle upon Tyne local authority.

Academically, St George's performs strongly, particularly in reading. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 100% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, with 31% achieving a higher score. Maths also fared well, with 92% at the expected level and 15% at the higher level. The combined reading, writing and maths expected standard was 77%, well above the local authority average of 63%. The school’s average scaled scores were 107 in reading and 106 in maths. This performance places St George's 7th out of 55 primary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, putting it in the top 25% nationally. Ofsted’s most recent inspection in March 2024 rated the school Good overall, with Outstanding marks for behaviour and attitudes, and for leadership and management. The previous inspection in 2013 also rated it Good, so the school has maintained a solid track record.

The school offers a range of facilities including a sports hall, music rooms, art studios, an ICT suite, a sensory room and a chapel. Sports on offer include swimming, athletics, dance, cricket and rounders, and there are clubs for science, coding and choir. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists provisions for specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language communication needs, autistic spectrum disorder and other difficulties. With 51.1% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a diverse community. Given its strong academic results, Catholic character and small size, St George's is likely to suit families who value a faith-based education with a focus on reading and a supportive, well-led environment.

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