St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill
Pemberton Road, Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8JDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill is a primary school in Consett for ages 5 to 11. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 3rd of 13 primary schools in Consett. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 5 March 2015, report published 27 March 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 26 March 2024
This is a welcoming school where adults ensure that pupils feel safe and are ready to learn. Pupils are taught a broad curriculum by staff who have excellent subject knowledge. Pupils enjoy learning and they engage well in lessons. There is a buzz of activity in early years. Children are confident in choosing creative activities and drawing on their imagination. They take pride in making bird houses and dens. There is a high level of purposeful conversation led by adults. Pupils respond to the high expectations of behaviour set by staff. They understand the new behaviour system based on restorative practice. Pupils are keen to receive the praise and rewards given for positive behaviour. Pupils are encouraged to be leaders. The school council actively promotes better parking and a reduction in cars speeding near the school. Their campaign has influenced the local council, which is now consulting on the introduction of traffic calming measures. Pupils have many opportunities to develop spiritually. They lead worship, contributing to Celebration of the Word and whole-school mass every half term. Pupils enjoy sharing their thoughts and prayers with parents and carers, especially during Holy Week.
What the school should improve
- The school does not monitor the implementation and impact of some subject curriculums well enough. This means that leaders are not sufficiently aware of the precise strengths and areas for development in the teaching of each subject that pupils study. The school should continue to develop and review monitoring processes in these subjects.
- The school has not fully developed ways to encourage a love of reading, particularly with key stage 2 pupils. This puts some pupils at a disadvantage compared to their peers who have developed a wider vocabulary and can draw on a range of books to compare texts. The school should continue to develop initiatives that encourage pupils to read more widely and on a regular basis.
- Some parents expressed concerns about communication with school. This is having a negative impact on how these parents view the school. Leaders should continue to ensure that communication procedures are reviewed and improved.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
27 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
202 pupils on roll, with places for 270
Schools near St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benfieldside Primary School | 0.4 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| The Grove Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 38% met the expected standard |
| St Pius Xth Catholic Primary School, Consett | 0.8 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 47% met the expected standard |
| Shotley Bridge Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 59% met the expected standard |
| St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Consett | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 52% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 5 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Victoria Ramshaw
- Phone
- 01207502657
- Address
- Pemberton Road, Blackhill, Consett, DH8 8JD
- Local authority
- County Durham
- URN
- 148413
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.