Broom Cottages Primary & Nursery School
Ferryhill, DL17 8AN · County Durham · primary school
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162nd 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 — 1.5/10 against 1,299 of them, against 1.3/10 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 | 32.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.14 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.74 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Broom Cottages Primary & Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, 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 (1.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 246 pupils against a stated capacity of 348. 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 core subjects? What specific interventions are in place for the 3.0% who reach the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Broom Cottages Primary & Nursery School
Overview
Broom Cottages Primary & Nursery School is described as a “happy, caring place” where pupils “enjoy learning and playing together.” The report highlights strong relationships between adults and pupils, with children feeling safe and supported. Leaders have established positive partnerships with families, ensuring that pupils and their families “feel listened to.”
Strengths
- The curriculum is “broad and well-planned,” with subject leaders ensuring teachers deliver content effectively, particularly in art and science.
- Reading is a priority; a “sequential phonics programme” ensures most pupils learn to read by the end of key stage 1, with extra support for those falling behind.
- Behaviour is excellent, with “very few incidents of bullying or poor behaviour,” and pupils understand the school’s expectations.
- Early years provision is strong, with children making a “strong start” and thriving in a range of activities.
- Staff are quick to identify and support pupils at risk of falling behind, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Areas to improve
- Leaders’ improvement priorities do not always reflect barriers to learning, such as poor communication skills, and should be reviewed to address these needs.
- In subjects like science and history, teachers are unsure if pupils have learned all intended content; leaders must strengthen assessment to regularly check learning.
- Attendance remains an issue for a small number of pupils, requiring continued support from leaders and the local authority.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture of safety,” robust record-keeping, and well-trained staff who work closely with external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 39% |
| 2023/24 | 34% |
| 2024/25 | 32% |
| 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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