St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School, Lowestoft

In its own words: "As God’s family we are STARs within a loving and thriving community, celebrating our diversity. We ignite lifelong learning where everyone becomes a positive influence on our world. St Mary’s has introduced a Friendship Vine in the main entrance of the school, following the words of Jesus, “ I am the vine and you are the branches."

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 75% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 72% in Suffolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (74% in reading, 68% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 6 families put St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School as their first choice and 17 named it as one of their preferences, for 7 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School are Phoenix St Peter Academy (0.4 miles, Requires improvement, 68% reading, 74% maths); Red Oak Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 95% reading, 98% maths); Westwood Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 82% reading, 82% maths); and Pakefield Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 75% reading, 78% maths).

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School is one of 11 schools run by St John the Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 54% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

15.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 40 pupils (25.8%) received SEN support and 6 (3.9%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Entrance, about 1 mile away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Rectory Road (s-bound), 120 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 6th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 131 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Suffolk (32), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School issued 26 suspensions, 14.9 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School are East Point Academy (0.7 miles); Pakefield High School (1.1 miles); and Learning Support, Northern Area Education Office (1.4 miles).