Butterknowle Primary School
Bishop Auckland, DL13 5PB · County Durham · primary school
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185th 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 — 0.2/10 against 3,424 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| 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.
Butterknowle Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% 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 (0.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 54 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy and numeracy? What specific steps are being taken to improve attainment in the current academic year? How does the school structure its daily timetable to ensure consistent progress for all students?
What Ofsted said about Butterknowle Primary School
Overview
Butterknowle Primary School is a small, friendly community where pupils feel safe, valued, and respected. While relationships are warm and early years provision is strong, the report highlights that pupil achievement in core subjects has historically been below national averages, with leaders actively working to address gaps in knowledge.
Strengths
- Leaders promote a strong sense of community, resulting in positive attendance and warm, caring relationships between adults and pupils.
- Early Years provision offers a "secure and happy start," with staff demonstrating expertise in developing curiosity, resilience, and early literacy skills.
- The school is inclusive, with effective systems to identify barriers to learning and provide timely support for pupils with special educational needs.
- Staff feel "energised and positive" about recent leadership changes and the new federation structure, which supports professional development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff consistently use curriculum checks to inform future learning and deepen pupils' knowledge, particularly in Key Stage 2.
- Attendance at enrichment clubs needs closer monitoring to guarantee disadvantaged pupils consistently benefit from these opportunities.
- Swift support is required for Key Stage 2 pupils to gain foundational knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics to close existing gaps.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 22% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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