Cotherstone Primary School
Barnard Castle, DL12 9QB · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
125th 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 the 3,537 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4/10 among them, against 3.0/10 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 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cotherstone Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 3.0 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a School Council, a breakfast club, and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 66 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 to bridge the gap between the current 40.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the proportion of pupils reaching the higher standard? How does the School Council involve pupils in decision-making?
What Ofsted said about Cotherstone Primary School
Overview
Cotherstone Primary School is a small, welcoming community where pupils are happy, confident, and respectful. The inspection judged the school as ‘Good’ across all categories, noting that staff know pupils well and provide a nurturing environment where children can ‘believe, aspire and thrive together’.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘broad and ambitious’, with careful planning to ensure pupils develop a ‘rich body of knowledge and skills’.
- Reading is taught consistently well, with staff quickly identifying and supporting those not keeping up, resulting in pupils becoming ‘keen, confident and fluent readers’.
- Pupils behave very well, following embedded routines and showing high levels of motivation through house points and praise.
- Personal development is supported effectively, with pupils learning to celebrate differences and understanding the importance of tolerance.
- Governors have an ‘accurate understanding’ of the school’s strengths and areas for development, and parents are highly supportive.
Areas to improve
- The new mathematics curriculum is in early stages; the school must embed it consistently so pupils secure fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Assessment procedures are not consistent; the school must ensure teachers check pupils’ knowledge systematically to identify and address gaps and misconceptions.
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 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 22% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| 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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