St William's Catholic Primary School

About St William's Catholic Primary School

St William's Catholic Primary School in County Durham was rated Good by Ofsted following its most recent graded inspection in June 2024, a step down from the Outstanding rating it held in its previous inspection in 2013. The school's academic story is best told through its Key Stage 2 results for the 2023/24 academic year, where 86% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That figure sits well above the local authority average of 62% and places the school 10th out of 170 primary schools in County Durham, putting it in the top 5% of schools locally. In reading, every single pupil reached the expected standard, and 48% achieved the higher standard. Maths also performed strongly, with 90% at expected and an average scaled score of 107.

Beyond the headline combined measure, the school's individual subject results reinforce its strong academic profile. In writing, 90% of pupils met the expected standard and 19% reached the higher standard. The average reading scaled score of 109 is notably above the national benchmark of 100. Nationally, St William's ranks 678th out of 13,686 primary schools, placing it in the top 5% of schools across England. The school's Ofsted report awarded Good across all five categories: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The inspection noted that the school has maintained strong outcomes despite the change in overall rating, and the leadership team under headteacher Michael Tiplady continues to drive improvement.

The school is a Roman Catholic primary for children aged 3 to 11, with a nursery on site. It is oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 intake, there were 20 applications for 13 places, with all 13 first-preference applicants offered a place. Facilities include a Forest School, sports hall, library, art studios, gymnasium and chapel. Sports on offer include netball, football, gymnastics and rounders, while clubs range from film and science to art. The school supports pupils with a range of SEND needs, including specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. With 131 pupils against a capacity of 140, the school is near full but not overcrowded, and 14.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. This is a school that suits families who value strong academic outcomes within a faith-based setting, and who are prepared for a competitive admissions process.

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