St Matthew's Catholic Primary School, Prudhoe Review 2026: High-Achieving Community Heart

St Matthew's Catholic Primary School, Prudhoe, occupies a quiet, elevated position on Highfield Lane, serving a tight-knit community in the Tyne Valley. Despite its modest capacity of 129 pupils, the school delivers academic results that place it in the top tier of primary schools in England. As a member of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, it combines a traditional faith-based ethos with the resources of a significant regional educational network.

The school's performance is exceptional, ranking 1st locally in Prudhoe and 670th across the entire country. This high-performing environment is led by Martin Gray, who has served as the Headteacher since September 2019. Families find a school that feels like a small village community, yet consistently outperforms much larger urban counterparts.

The atmosphere at St Matthew's is defined by its Catholic identity and its human scale. With a capacity of just over 100 pupils, every member of staff knows every child, creating a level of individual attention that is difficult to replicate in larger primary settings. The school buildings, while functional and well-maintained, act as a backdrop to a culture where older pupils are expected to look out for younger ones, a dynamic encouraged through the school's "Mini Vinnies" programme and various leadership roles.

The school's mission statement, Love, Learn and Light the Way, serves as the foundation for daily life. Religious character is integrated through daily collective worship and a curriculum that emphasises service to others. While the school is Catholic, it welcomes families from various backgrounds who appreciate the disciplined yet nurturing environment. Parents often describe the school as a "hidden gem" in Northumberland, noting the balance between high academic expectations and a genuine focus on the wellbeing of each child.

The academic outcomes at St Matthew's are remarkable. In 2024, 82% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly exceeding the England average of 62%. This performance places the school in the elite tier of primary education, sitting well above the national average (top 10% in England).

The school ranks 670th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the position of 1st among the schools in Prudhoe. At the higher standard, 44% of pupils achieved "greater depth" in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, which is more than five times the England average of 8%. The average scaled score in reading was particularly high at 112, compared to the England benchmark of 105, indicating that the majority of the cohort is working well beyond age-related expectations.

The curriculum at St Matthew's is ambitious, benefiting from its partnership within the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust. Teaching is characterised by high levels of teacher subject knowledge and a structured approach to core subjects. Small class sizes, often involving mixed-age groups due to the school's size, allow for highly personalised instruction where teachers can support or challenge pupils effectively.

Mathematics and reading are clear strengths. The school's success in these areas is evidenced by 69% of pupils achieving a high score in reading, nearly double the expected rates for the region. The nursery provision, which takes children from age two, ensures that the school's high expectations and routines are established early, allowing for a seamless transition into the Reception year.

Despite its small size, St Matthew's offers a vibrant array of extracurricular activities. The school makes excellent use of its local geography in the Tyne Valley for outdoor learning and sports. Specific clubs often include choir, football, and various STEM-related activities. The school's involvement in the Catholic school network provides pupils with opportunities to participate in wider regional events, including retreats and sporting competitions that a standalone small school might struggle to access.

STEM excellence is a growing focus, with the school using its trust connections to access specialist equipment and competitions. Pupils are encouraged to see the practical applications of their learning through projects that often link back to the local environment of Prudhoe and the surrounding Northumberland countryside.

Securing a place at St Matthew's requires early planning. The school is currently oversubscribed, with 20 applications received for just 10 offers in the most recent intake. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.0, meaning there are two applicants for every available place.

As a Catholic voluntary aided school, the admissions policy gives priority to baptised Catholic children, particularly those within the parish. However, the school does admit children of other faiths and none, provided places are available. Parents are required to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) in addition to the local authority application. For families considering entry, attending an open day is highly recommended to understand the specific faith-based criteria used in the ranking process.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the St Matthew's experience. The school's size is its greatest asset here; no child goes unnoticed. Safeguarding is prioritised, and the latest Ofsted inspection in October 2023 confirmed that the school continues to provide a safe and supportive environment, awarding "Outstanding" grades for both Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development. The Catholic ethos underpins the pastoral approach, with an emphasis on forgiveness, respect, and community service.

The school provides breakfast and after-school care on-site, which is a vital resource for working parents in the Prudhoe area. This wraparound care is integrated into the school day, ensuring children remain in a familiar and safe environment with staff who know them well.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Wraparound care is available from 7:45am in the "Early Birds" club, with after-school provision extending until 5:30pm. Transport is largely handled by parents, though some pupils may be eligible for local authority transport depending on their distance from the school and individual circumstances. The school is located on a residential lane, so parking during drop-off and pick-up can be busy; the school encourages walking where possible.

• Oversubscription: With two applicants for every place, St Matthew's is one of the most competitive primaries in the area. Families must ensure they meet the faith criteria or live very close to the school to have a realistic chance of entry.
• Mixed-Age Classes: Due to its small capacity, the school often operates mixed-age classes. While this allows for peer-to-peer mentoring, parents should be comfortable with this pedagogical structure.
• Catholic Character: The school's Catholic identity is pervasive. This includes daily prayer, regular Masses, and an RE curriculum that follows the Bishop's requirements.
• Limited Capacity: The small school environment is wonderful for nurturing but may offer fewer peers in a single year group compared to a large three-form entry school.

St Matthew's Catholic Primary School is a high-performing, community-focused school that consistently punches above its weight. It is an ideal choice for families who want a small, nurturing environment where academic standards are exceptionally high and the Catholic faith is lived daily. Best suited to families in the Prudhoe area who value a traditional, disciplined, and intimate educational setting. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool.uk to manage their shortlist.