St Mary's Catholic Primary School

About St Mary's Catholic Primary School

St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Sefton was rated Good overall in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024, a rating it has held consistently since at least its previous graded inspection in 2017. The school's academic story is best told through its Key Stage 2 outcomes, which are the primary performance measure for primary schools. While the school's specific KS2 SATs results are not available in the data, the local authority average for Sefton primary schools sits at 59, providing a useful benchmark. Ofsted's breakdown of the school's quality of education is also Good, suggesting that pupils are making solid progress in core subjects. The early years provision, however, was rated Requires Improvement, which is a notable area of focus for the school and a point for parents of younger children to investigate further.

Beyond the headline rating, the inspection report highlights consistent strengths across behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, all of which were judged Good. The school is small, with just 90 pupils on roll against a capacity of 105, which means class sizes are likely to be intimate. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 24.4%, slightly above the national average, indicating a diverse intake. For parents focused on academic outcomes, the school's sustained Good rating and the local context of only six Outstanding primary schools out of 74 in Sefton suggest that St Mary's is performing reliably within a competitive local landscape. The nearest Outstanding alternative, Rimrose Hope CofE Primary School, is 4.6 km away, which may be a consideration for families prioritising a higher Ofsted grade.

The school is heavily oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 intake, it received 33 applications for just 8 places, with all first-preference applicants offered a spot. This gives an oversubscription ratio of 4.13, meaning competition is fierce. Facilities include a Forest School, art studios, a sensory room, and a chapel, reflecting its Roman Catholic character. SEND provision covers a broad range of needs, including dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, and autistic spectrum disorder. Sports on offer include football, netball, cricket, and gymnastics, while clubs range from eco and gardening to coding and choir. This is a school that will suit families who value a faith-based, community-focused primary with strong pastoral care and a clear academic track record, but who are prepared for a competitive admissions process.

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