Cotsford Primary School
Peterlee, SR8 4EH · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
126th 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 — 4.1/10 against 962 of 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cotsford Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 5.0% achieved it 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 (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art & Craft and Gardening clubs, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 181 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the curriculum adapt for pupils with similar backgrounds to the local intake?
What Ofsted said about Cotsford Primary School
Overview
Cotsford Primary School is described as “friendly and welcoming,” with a curriculum that is “well-thought-out” and closely tailored to meet pupils’ needs. The report highlights that pupils achieve well, particularly in reading and mathematics, and benefit from effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The reading curriculum is a significant strength, with staff who are “expert at teaching phonics” and children who learn to read “quickly and fluently.”
- Pupils with SEND receive “tailored support,” with needs identified quickly and resources provided to help them do their best.
- Staff meticulously check what pupils know in reading and mathematics, ensuring important knowledge is “revisited often.”
- Children make a “strong start in the early years,” benefiting from a “language-rich environment” and well-planned indoor and outdoor spaces.
- The school provides a “wealth of activities to develop pupils’ character,” including leadership opportunities and enterprise challenges.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum in some foundation subjects does not prioritise the important knowledge pupils need to know and remember, requiring refinement.
- The governing body is not yet fully equipped to provide “supportive challenge” to school leaders due to recent membership changes.
- A small number of older pupils use “derogatory language,” which does not align with the school’s high standards of behaviour and inclusivity.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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