Bullion Lane Primary School
Chester le Street, DH2 2DP · County Durham · primary school
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43rd 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 — 9.1/10 against 271 of them, against 7.2/10 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 | 94.0 · 99 | 40% | 3.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bullion Lane Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 94.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Performing Arts, French, and Music Clubs, or take violin lessons. Sports include football, rugby, cross country, running, netball, athletics, and cricket. A trip to the pantomime is organised, and a breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 292 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 not yet meeting the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Performing Arts Club? How does the breakfast club operate for families who need early drop-off?
What Ofsted said about Bullion Lane Primary School
Overview
Bullion Lane Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, including overall effectiveness, the quality of education, and leadership. The report describes a welcoming and inclusive environment where pupils enjoy learning and benefit from a strong curriculum in core subjects, particularly reading and mathematics.
Strengths
- Early reading is described as the ‘foundation of the school’s effective core learning offer’, with timely staff training and targeted tuition helping pupils catch up quickly.
- Pupils demonstrate an ‘age-appropriate grasp of mathematical vocabulary, problem-solving and reasoning’, making mathematics a clear strength.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are ‘particularly well supported to learn and achieve alongside their peers’, accessing the same curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
- The school offers an ‘exciting programme of enrichment activities’, including swimming, school productions, and visits to places like Beamish Museum.
- Children in the early years make a ‘strong start to their school life’, with staff who are ‘knowledgeable, responsive and patient’.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, resources and activities are not matched carefully enough to key knowledge, meaning pupils are ‘not remembering the curriculum in the long term’.
- Some pupils do not attend school as often as they should, missing out on important learning; the school must maintain focus on ‘consistent systems and strategies to support the high attendance of all pupils’.
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 | 86% |
| 2023/24 | 92% |
| 2024/25 | 94% |
| 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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