Burnhope Primary School
Durham, DH7 0AG · County Durham · primary school
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160th 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 — 1.8/10 against 1,044 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Burnhope Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 0.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (1.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, learn swimming, and attend a residential trip to Ford Castle.
Getting in
The published school roll is 69 pupils against a stated capacity of 106. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for pupils who are not yet meeting expected standards in reading and writing? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 69?
What Ofsted said about Burnhope Primary School
Overview
Burnhope Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils enjoy coming to school in a "calm, safe environment" where they demonstrate positive behaviour and uphold core values such as kindness and respect. The school fosters strong relationships with families, contributing to significant improvements in attendance and a culture where most pupils achieve well.
Strengths
- Pupils display "positive attitudes towards learning" and can talk confidently about their knowledge in subjects like mathematics.
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," with sequential knowledge building and effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Early years provision is "calm and well-organised," using consistent routines that set children up well for later key stages.
- Phonics teaching is effective, with most pupils becoming "competent, fluent readers" quickly, and robust support for those who struggle.
- Educational visits and a new careers programme positively impact pupils' "ambition for the future" and personal development.
Areas to improve
- Staff must ensure clarity on expectations for writing to address weaknesses in younger pupils’ "pencil grip, letter formation and spelling," preventing repeated mistakes.
- Teachers should receive support in choosing appropriate resources and activities to avoid confusing pupils or overloading their working memory.
Safeguarding
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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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