St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Westerhope

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

Bardon Close, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 4BTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Westerhope is a primary school in Newcastle upon Tyne for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 108 schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. It ranks 43rd of 98 primary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 July 2019, report published 20 September 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 28 February 2024

St Mark's Catholic Primary School is a happy and caring community. Relationships between staff and pupils are a strength. All staff model behaviour expectations consistently. Pupils understand these expectations. They respond well to the routines and directions set by the teachers. As a result, pupils' conduct in school is calm and polite. In lessons, pupils are well motivated and engage in their learning. Throughout the school, pupils treat each other and staff with respect. In group discussions, pupils' behaviour is exemplary. Leaders are passionate that all pupils have the best possible start in education. The school embraces disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). This starts with the children in the nursery provision. They are happy and curious in their learning activities. Adults cater well for the youngest children's social and physical needs. By the time pupils leave school, they are well prepared for their next stage in education. Pupils spoken with are appreciative of the prayer room and the time spent there. One commented, 'It doesn't matter what religion you are, you can spend time praying'. Pupils view this as a private space where they can be still and reflective.

What the school should improve

  • The curriculum in the early years is not implemented as thoroughly as the school intends. This means that some children in the early years do not develop their knowledge and skills as well as they could in some areas of learning. The school should ensure that the activities and resources chosen to deliver the early years curriculum maximise children's opportunities to develop their learning.
  • Leaders are in the process of further revising the curriculum. The intent and ambitions of the curriculum are clear. However, the guidance for teachers is less detailed in some subject areas such as geography. This leads to some inconsistencies in the delivery of the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that all curriculum guidance contains the level of detail that staff need to fully deliver the intended curriculum.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

29 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths66%

66%, 4 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths7%

7%, 1 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score108

108, 2 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

223 pupils on roll, with places for 216

Eligible for free school meals42.2%

42.2%, 15.7 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language23.8%

23.8%, 2.2 percentage points above the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support11.7%

11.7%, 3.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.2%

2.2%, 3.8 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Westerhope

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Cheviot Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good66% met the expected standard
Farne Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Simonside Primary School0.4 milesOfsted: Good63% met the expected standard
Westerhope Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good70% met the expected standard
Beech Hill Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good79% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
BISHOP BEWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Kate McKenna
Address
Bardon Close, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 4BT
Local authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
URN
148443

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.