Croft Church of England Primary School
Darlington, DL2 2SP · North Yorkshire · primary school
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18th of 252 primary schools in North Yorkshire we can score, 290 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 — 8.9/10 against 2,153 of them, against 9.3/10 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 | 92.0 · 98 | 40% | 3.95 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.10 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Croft Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 92.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 15.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Computing, Science, R.E., SATs Club, and Forest schools. They participate in gardening and crafts. Trips include visits to Bowes Museum, Eden Camp, Jorvik Museum, The Life Centre, Newby Hall, Beamish Museum, and East Barnby. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 117 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the Forest schools sessions integrated into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Croft Church of England Primary School
Overview
This is a school described as being "full of positivity and respect," where staff care deeply about pupils and maintain "clear routines and expectations for behaviour that pupils follow in an exemplary manner." The school’s Christian vision underpins the curriculum, with leaders placing "‘happiness’ at the heart of it" to equip pupils with independence, respect, and perseverance.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning," focusing well in lessons and acting as "advocates of the school."
- The school is "calm and orderly," with pupils understanding bullying and knowing how to report it effectively.
- Digital devices are used "as an integral part of their learning," particularly supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to work independently.
- The mathematics curriculum builds on prior knowledge, with teachers using daily assessments to "shape the next day’s lesson."
- There are "many opportunities for pupils to be leaders" in a "highly inclusive" environment, including roles in developing the school’s spiritual garden.
Areas to improve
- Leaders have not identified the "essential knowledge" in some foundation subjects that pupils need to commit to long-term memory.
- Without this specific curriculum thinking, pupils may lack the "right prior knowledge to build upon," so leaders must ensure the curriculum consistently builds on what pupils already know from Nursery to Year 6.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with "robust systems" for checks and specific measures to address online safety risks, including a computing curriculum woven with safety guidance and a "‘Don’t worry be happy’ box" for pupils to report concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 92% |
| 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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