The short version
Above-average SATs results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2014).
- SATs results are above the national average, with 76% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2014
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
76%
+14.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
12%
+4.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
109
+3.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
107
+2.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
108
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 8 days per year on average — about two weeks of school.
12% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 13 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 14 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary aided school
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 3–11
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 190
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 25.7%
Governance
- Local authority
- Cumberland
- Head
- Mrs Susan Starkie (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
High Road, Kells, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 9PG
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmKells Infant School
Primary · Very close
Monkwray Junior School
Primary · 733m away
St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School
Primary · 1.3km away
St Begh's Catholic Junior School
Primary · 1.4km away
Valley Primary School and Nursery
Primary · 1.7km away
St James' CofE Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 2.1km away
Jericho Primary School
Primary · 2.1km away
St James' CofE Junior School
Primary · 2.2km away
Questions parents ask
What is St Mary's Catholic Primary School's Ofsted rating?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St Mary's Catholic Primary School?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School currently has 190 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Mary's Catholic Primary School take?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School caters for pupils aged 3 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is St Mary's Catholic Primary School?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School is in Whitehaven, CA28 9PG, in the Cumberland local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Mary's Catholic Primary School have a sixth form?
No, St Mary's Catholic Primary School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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