Dene House Primary School
Peterlee, SR8 5RL · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
93rd 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 — 6.4/10 against 912 of them, against 4.6/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 41% | 1.50 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.76 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 26% | 1.56 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dene House Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 303 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 are available within the after-school club? How has the teaching approach changed since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Dene House Primary School
Overview
Dene House Primary School is described as a "happy, caring school where everyone is welcome," with leaders maintaining a clear vision of "putting children first." The inspection found that the school provides a "calm and purposeful learning environment" where pupils demonstrate "excellent attitudes to learning" and strong relationships with staff.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "good" behaviour with "very little bullying," and staff are readily available to support those who are worried.
- Early reading provision is strong, with staff well-trained in phonics and books "well matched to the sounds they learn."
- Mathematics lessons are engaging, allowing pupils to "recall mathematical facts and explain their reasoning" without fear of making mistakes.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "highly effective," ensuring they are "fully included and achieve well."
- Personal development is a strength, with pupils who are "very well informed about current affairs" and understand that differences should be "respected and celebrated."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure systems are in place in all subjects, particularly geography and music, to check how well pupils are remembering the intended curriculum.
- High-quality training should be provided for new subject leaders to enable them to effectively monitor pupil learning and curriculum delivery.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, characterised by a "very strong culture of safeguarding that permeates throughout the school" where staff know pupils well and receive regular training.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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