Best 3 Primary schools in Chester le Street – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of primary schools: St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley (Primary) in Chester le Street; St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston (Primary) in Chester le Street; Lumley Infant and Nursery School (Primary) in Chester le Street — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley, St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston and Lumley Infant and Nursery School. They are primary phase and academy converter and community school type located around Chester le Street, County Durham. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley), published May 2013. The lowest is 2 (Lumley Infant and Nursery School), published Sep 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Lumley Infant and Nursery School (Sep 2024). average roll around ≈ 150, combined total ≈ 500, typical FSM 15–20%, range 5–10%–25–30%; all within the BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley DH3 2PN	St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston DH2 1QX	Lumley Infant and Nursery School DH3 4JL
Phase / Type	Primary • Academy converter	Primary • Academy converter	Primary • Community school
Location	Chester le Street County Durham DH3 2PN	Chester le Street County Durham DH2 1QX	Chester le Street County Durham DH3 4JL
Latest Ofsted	1 10 May 2013	1 10 Jan 2012	2 10 Sep 2024
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	25–30% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	5–10% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	120	210	180
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Trust / Local authority	BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST	BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST	County Durham (840)
Website	stjosephcatholicschoolsbirtley.org	www.stbenetsouston.bwcet.com	www.lumley.durham.sch.uk
Telephone	01914102231	01914105857	01913885292
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley

DH3 2PN

Phase / Type: Primary • Academy converter
Location: Chester le Street
County Durham
DH3 2PN
Ofsted: 1 10 May 2013
Pupils: ≈ 100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 25–30% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website: stjosephcatholicschoolsbirtley.org
Telephone: 01914102231

St Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston

DH2 1QX

Phase / Type: Primary • Academy converter
Location: Chester le Street
County Durham
DH2 1QX
Ofsted: 1 10 Jan 2012
Pupils: ≈ 200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 5–10% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.stbenetsouston.bwcet.com
Telephone: 01914105857

Lumley Infant and Nursery School

DH3 4JL

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Chester le Street
County Durham
DH3 4JL
Ofsted: 2 10 Sep 2024
Pupils: ≈ 150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: County Durham (840)
Website: www.lumley.durham.sch.uk
Telephone: 01913885292

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Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.