St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy
Tentergate Road, Knaresborough, HG5 9BGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy is a primary school in Knaresborough for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 376 schools in North Yorkshire. It ranks 6th of 7 primary schools in Knaresborough. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2019.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 12 November 2019, report published 18 December 2019
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 18 March 2025
St Mary's provides a welcoming school community where pupils flourish. Pupils form very warm relationships with school staff and with each other. This helps pupils to be happy and feel safe. Older pupils are proud to be positive role models. They look out for their younger 'buddies'. The school has high expectations of pupils, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The curriculum is rooted in the local area wherever possible. Pupils find lessons relevant and interesting. They try hard and are proud of their work. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils behave very well. They respond positively to the school's high expectations and guidance. Pupils learn a new 'virtue to live by' every three weeks. These include values such as kindness, thankfulness and resilience. There is very little bullying. Pupils trust staff to sort out any issues if things go wrong. The school provides exceptional opportunities to support pupils' personal development. Trips and visitors enhance the curriculum. A range of after-school clubs help pupils to develop their talents and interests. Pupil leaders, such as school councillors, play leaders and Year 6 buddies, make a valuable contribution to school life. The 'mini Vinnies' do a wonderful job of helping others in the wider community.
What the school should improve
- The school does not have effective arrangements for helping pupils who have not secured the basics of writing to catch up. This results in some pupils struggling with writing tasks that are too difficult for them. The school should ensure that pupils who have fallen behind get the help they need to develop a secure foundation of writing skills.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
31 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
193 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near St Mary's Primary School Knaresborough, A Voluntary Catholic Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knaresborough St John's Church of England Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Meadowside Academy | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 68% met the expected standard |
| Aspin Park Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 66% met the expected standard |
| Starbeck Primary Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 31% met the expected standard |
| Hookstone Chase Primary School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 42% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE BISHOP WHEELER CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Helen Tomlinson
- Phone
- 01423864631
- Address
- Tentergate Road, Knaresborough, HG5 9BG
- Local authority
- North Yorkshire
- URN
- 142176
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.