Balliol Primary School
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE12 8QP · North Tyneside · primary school
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35th of 45 primary schools in North Tyneside we can score, 55 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 — 5.2/10 against 1,144 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Balliol Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection took place in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a swimming club and attend a breakfast club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 157 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 are included in the swimming club sessions? How does the new inspection framework affect the current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Balliol Primary School
Overview
Balliol Primary School has undergone "rapid improvement" under new leadership, with significant progress in behaviour, attendance, and curriculum design. While the school is now fulfilling the "expected standard" in most areas, some older pupils retain "gaps in their understanding" from previous years, and outcomes for disadvantaged pupils remain below national averages.
Strengths
- Leaders have introduced a "new, ambitious curriculum" that is "well sequenced" and prioritises essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Behaviour has improved significantly; classrooms are described as "calm places where pupils can focus on their learning," and bullying is "rare."
- Attendance has "improved rapidly," with staff working closely with families to remove barriers to school engagement.
- Staff have "secure subject knowledge" and use effective teaching strategies, such as modelling vocabulary and revisiting prior learning, to help pupils remember more.
- The early years provision is strong, with children described as "increasingly ready for the demands of Year 1" due to effective phonics teaching and engaging routines.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure pupils apply handwriting, spelling, punctuation, and grammar skills consistently across all subjects to improve the quality of written work.
- Leaders should continue to tackle rates of persistent absence so that all pupils benefit fully from curriculum improvements.
- Leaders should broaden the range of experiences for pupils to extend their knowledge and understanding of the world beyond their local area.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 26% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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