St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 4 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Dene House Road, St. Mary Magdalene RC Primary School, Dene House Road, Seaham, SR7 7BJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School is a primary school in Seaham for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 3rd of 9 primary schools in Seaham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2013.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 17 January 2013, report published 8 February 2013

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 11 March 2025

Pupils flourish at St. Mary Magdalen's School. This nurturing and inspirational school has high expectations for all. Pupils are happy, safe and enjoy learning. They attend school regularly and achieve extremely well. Parents are highly supportive of the school. One parent captured the sentiments of many when they said, 'My children love it here. We appreciate the exceptional education and support that my children receive.' Pupils' behaviour is exceptional. Conduct in lessons and at playtime is impeccable. Pupils are resilient and motivated learners. They work hard and take pride in their work. Through the school's buddy system, pupils develop a great sense of responsibility. They are confident and considerate. Pupils support younger children at playtimes. This helps children in the Reception class to settle quickly and feel part of the school family. The school enhances the curriculum with carefully chosen visits and visitors. For example, visitors from a local business come to talk about sustainability. These opportunities inspire pupils' curiosity. There is a rich offer of clubs and leadership roles. Pupils are extremely proud of their valuable contribution to the local parish and wider community. For example, the 'Ave Maria' group enjoyed Irish dancing with the local parish.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

37 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths76%

76%, 14 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths14%

14%, 6 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score108

108, 2 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score108

108, 3 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

308 pupils on roll, with places for 315

Eligible for free school meals13%

13%, 13.5 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language1.3%

1.3%, 20.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support9.7%

9.7%, 5.1 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.6%

2.6%, 3.4 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Seaham Trinity Primary School0.3 milesOfsted: Good54% met the expected standard
Ropery Walk Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good68% met the expected standard
Seaview Primary School0.8 milesOfsted: Good64% met the expected standard
New Seaham Academy1 mileOfsted: Good94% met the expected standard
St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Seaham1 mileOfsted: Good75% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
BISHOP CHADWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
4 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Roman Catholic
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mrs Andrea Goodwin
Address
Dene House Road, St. Mary Magdalene RC Primary School, Dene House Road, Seaham, SR7 7BJ
Local authority
County Durham
URN
149165

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.