SchoolsGPT

Belford Primary School

Belford, NE70 7QD · Northumberland · primary school

Check the area around this school

Ofsted: Good · 2023 Inspected 3 years ago Mixed Primary
6.4/10 Broadly average

13th of 60 primary schools in Northumberland we can score, 127 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.

Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.4/10 against 3,846 of them, against 7.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 75.0 · 78 40% 3.11
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 8.0 · 57 25% 1.43

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Belford Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 8.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools).

Getting in

The published school roll is 90 pupils against a stated capacity of 187. 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 working towards the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current number of places?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Belford Primary School

Inspection report dated 20 March 2023

Overview

Belford Primary School is described as an “inclusive and welcoming” environment where pupils “enjoy coming to school.” Leaders maintain “high expectations” for all learners, including those with special educational needs, fostering a strong community ethos that parents view positively.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is “broad” and well-sequenced, particularly in reading and mathematics, where pupils receive “quality teaching” and make rapid progress.
  • Staff know pupils “very well,” creating “warm and caring” relationships that support effective learning and behaviour.
  • Personal development is prioritised through a “well sequenced” personal, social and health education curriculum, enhanced by assemblies and community links.
  • Pupils feel safe and are confident they can access help from “trusted adults,” with bullying incidents being “always sorted out by staff.”
  • Early years provision prepares children well for next steps, with a strong focus on communication and language.

Areas to improve

  • Assessment in some foundation subjects is not yet effective enough to check what pupils know and remember over time, limiting leaders’ understanding of knowledge retention.
  • Learning activities in some foundation subjects are “not challenging enough,” preventing pupils from developing subject knowledge as deeply as they should.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with clear policies, detailed record keeping, and timely responses to concerns.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
75%
2024/25
Higher standard
8%
2024/25
Demand
×1.1
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
18%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

64% 2022/23
56% 2023/24
75% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Belford Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2364%
2023/2456%
2024/2575%
England64%

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
Email me before each one →

Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website

Loading full school details…

Similar schools nearby

Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.

Every school within 2.5 miles of NE70 7QD, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →

Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?

Ask SchoolsGPT