Blessed John Duckett Catholic Primary School, Tow Law
Bishop Auckland, DL13 4AU · County Durham · primary school
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187th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.1/10 against 2,062 of them, against 0.4/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 0 | 62% | 0.02 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Blessed John Duckett Catholic Primary School, Tow Law overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 11.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 83 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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
With 11.0% meeting the expected standard, what specific interventions are currently in place to raise attainment in maths? How does the school support pupils who are working below the national median in reading? What does the daily timetable look like for a child in Year 6?
What Ofsted said about Blessed John Duckett Catholic Primary School, Tow Law
Overview
Pupils thrive in a "nurturing environment" characterised by strong relationships and a "family atmosphere." The school maintains high ambitions for all learners, with staff demonstrating deep knowledge of pupil needs and a clear vision for success. While the overall quality of education is rated Good, the early years provision is judged Outstanding, reflecting a "well-designed curriculum" that helps children get off to a "flying start."
Strengths
- Staff create a supportive culture where pupils feel "safe and valued," displaying "positive attitudes to learning" and embodying values such as compassion and honesty.
- The early years curriculum is highly effective, with staff experts at extending children’s language and promoting independent exploration and discussion.
- Reading is a celebrated priority; pupils learn phonics in a "structured and well-ordered way," becoming "confident, fluent readers" with swift support for those who struggle.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "highly effective support" and are fully included in lessons alongside their peers.
- Leaders provide "considered support and challenge," with staff well-being and workload carefully managed, fostering a culture where staff are "proud to work at the school."
Areas to improve
- The school must develop a "full and accurate view" of how effective the new curriculum is in improving pupils’ skills and knowledge, as oversight is currently at an early stage.
- Robust systems are needed to identify when pupils are not progressing in the recently adapted mathematics curriculum and to provide necessary support.
- The school should continue working with families to improve attendance, ensuring strategies have a "measurable impact" so pupils do not miss important learning.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 11% |
| 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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