Acre Rigg Academy
Peterlee, SR8 2DU · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
151st of 188 primary schools in County Durham we can score, 208 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.8/10 against 686 of them, against 2.0/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 47.0 · 15 | 40% | 0.60 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Acre Rigg Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Early Bird's Club, play Tag Rugby, and attend the breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 257 pupils against a stated capacity of 268. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the Early Bird's Club?
What Ofsted said about Acre Rigg Academy
Overview
Acre Rigg Academy continues to be a good school, described as a "caring and supportive" environment where pupils enjoy learning. Leaders are ambitious for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, fostering a culture where kindness is highly valued and pupils feel safe.
Strengths
- The school offers a "well-ordered and well-designed curriculum" that is broad, ambitious, and meets the needs of all pupils.
- Teachers possess "secure subject expertise" and effectively break knowledge into manageable steps, encouraging curiosity and exploration.
- Reading is given "high priority," with staff well-trained in phonics and providing numerous opportunities for pupils to read outside of lessons.
- Strong systems support pupils’ personal development and emotional well-being, including specific groups for young carers and bereavement.
- Governors are "committed and knowledgeable," taking staff workload and well-being seriously while maintaining accurate oversight of school priorities.
Areas to improve
- On some occasions, teachers do not move pupils’ learning along quickly enough; leaders should support staff to use assessment information accurately so pupils progress promptly when ready.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with thorough staff training, clear reporting procedures, and a curriculum that teaches pupils how to stay safe in the community and online.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 32% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 47% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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