Best 3 Primary schools in Barnard Castle – 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: Montalbo Nursery & Primary School (Primary) in Barnard Castle; Cotherstone Primary School (Primary) in Barnard Castle; St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle (Primary) in Barnard Castle — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Montalbo Nursery & Primary School, Cotherstone Primary School and St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle. They are primary phase and community school and academy converter type located around Barnard Castle, County Durham. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Montalbo Nursery & Primary School), published Mar 2023. The lowest is 2 (Cotherstone Primary School), published Apr 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Cotherstone Primary School (Apr 2024). average roll around ≈ 150, combined total ≈ 400, typical FSM 15–20%, range 10–15%–15–20%; all within the BISHOP HOGARTH CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Montalbo Nursery & Primary School DL12 8TN	Cotherstone Primary School DL12 9QB	St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle DL12 8JR
Phase / Type	Primary • Community school	Primary • Community school	Primary • Academy converter
Location	Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8TN	Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 9QB	Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8JR
Latest Ofsted	1 8 Mar 2023	2 24 Apr 2024	2 19 Dec 2019
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 50 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 100 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	15–20% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	210	84	105
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	County Durham (840)	County Durham (840)	BISHOP HOGARTH CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website	www.montalbo.durham.sch.uk	cotherstoneschool.org.uk	www.stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk
Telephone	01833637718	01833650491	01833637029
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Montalbo Nursery & Primary School

DL12 8TN

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8TN
Ofsted: 1 8 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: County Durham (840)
Website: www.montalbo.durham.sch.uk
Telephone: 01833637718

Cotherstone Primary School

DL12 9QB

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 9QB
Ofsted: 2 24 Apr 2024
Pupils: ≈ 50 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: County Durham (840)
Website: cotherstoneschool.org.uk
Telephone: 01833650491

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle

DL12 8JR

Phase / Type: Primary • Academy converter
Location: Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8JR
Ofsted: 2 19 Dec 2019
Pupils: ≈ 100 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 15–20% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: BISHOP HOGARTH CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Website: www.stmarysbc.bhcet.org.uk
Telephone: 01833637029

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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.