St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding

St Benet's Way, Ouston, Chester le Street, DH2 1QXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston is a primary school in Chester le Street for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 12th of 16 primary schools in Chester le Street. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in December 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 17 December 2024, report published 4 February 2025

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 December 2024

Pupils are happy at this vibrant school. They embody the principles of the 'St Benet's way', being respectful, responsible and ready to learn. The school has high expectations for all pupil's achievement. Pupils achieve well in most areas. The Catholic ethos is at the heart of the school. Pupils feel safe, nurtured and valued and are aspirational for their future. Pupils' conduct is exemplary. They speak to adults and visitors in the building with maturity. Pupils can learn without distraction. In lessons, pupils play an active part in their learning. Classrooms are purposeful environments. Pupils sensibly access a range of activities at lunchtimes. In the early years, children interact calmly and positively with each other. Pupils have an exceptional understanding of fundamental British values. They show a deep respect for different faiths and cultures. This ensures that everyone is welcome at the school. Discrimination is not tolerated. If pupils have any concerns, they have trusted adults to speak to.

What the school should improve

  • Over time, the delivery of the mathematics curriculum has been inconsistent. As a result, some pupils have gaps in their mathematical knowledge and are currently not achieving as well as they might. The school should continue its work to address the gaps in pupils' mathematical knowledge.
  • The outside learning environment in early years is not developed as effectively as it could be. As a result, some children do not learn as well as they could beyond the classroom. The school should improve its use of the outside environment to ensure it supports children's learning well.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

27 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths59%

59%, 3 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths4%

4%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

217 pupils on roll, with places for 210

Eligible for free school meals6.9%

6.9%, 19.6 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language4.1%

4.1%, 17.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.3%

14.3%, 0.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.3%

2.3%, 3.7 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Ouston Primary School0.2 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standard54% met the expected standard
Pelton Community Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good48% met the expected standard
Barley Mow Primary School1 mileOfsted: Good57% met the expected standard
St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley1 mileOfsted judgements: Outstanding76% met the expected standard
Roseberry Primary and Nursery School1 mileOfsted: Good64% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Catherine Young
Address
St Benet's Way, Ouston, Chester le Street, DH2 1QX
Local authority
County Durham
URN
148205

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.