Annfield Plain Junior School
Stanley, DH9 7ST · County Durham · primary school
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155th 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 — 2.6/10 against 745 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Annfield Plain Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Bingo, Board Games, Boxercise, and Art Clubs, or play football, cricket, basketball, tennis, fencing, dodgeball, dance, and Shikkari-karate. The school offers an after-school club and a residential week at Outward Bound Howtown.
Getting in
The published school roll is 99 pupils against a stated capacity of 168. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help with reading or maths? How does the school manage the transition for children moving to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about Annfield Plain Junior School
Overview
Annfield Plain Junior School continues to be a good school, described as a "caring and friendly school with a true community spirit." Pupils enjoy playing and working together, building strong relationships with staff who know them and their families well. The school instils high aspirations, ensuring pupils leave "well prepared for their secondary education."
Strengths
- The school has established a "broad and balanced curriculum" that is "well ordered so that pupils build their knowledge in a logical and progressive manner."
- Staff have "secure subject knowledge" and teach in a structured way, allowing pupils to "build on what they have learned before."
- The school is "ambitious for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who "complete the same work as their peers."
- Pupils read often, developing into "confident and fluent readers" through targeted support in phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
- Leaders show "genuine care for staff well-being" and ensure that staff workload is manageable, with the trust providing effective professional development.
Areas to improve
- Teachers should receive professional development to ensure they "explain activities clearly" and "check pupils’ understanding systematically" in all subjects.
- Staff need to use questioning more effectively to "deepen and extend pupils’ learning," ensuring all pupils secure essential knowledge.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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