Durham Gilesgate Primary School
Durham, DH1 1PH · County Durham · primary school
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136th 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 — 3.6/10 against 734 of them, against 2.5/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Durham Gilesgate Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 164 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 literacy? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Durham Gilesgate Primary School
Overview
Durham Gilesgate Primary School is described as a “welcoming, inclusive school” where pupils are “happy” and feel safe. The inspection confirms that leaders have developed an “ambitious” curriculum and implemented high-quality early reading programmes, resulting in consistent improvements since the previous inspection.
Strengths
- Reading is a clear priority, with a new early reading programme implemented well, helping pupils read “confidently, fluently and with a high degree of accuracy.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “high-quality teaching” and are skilfully supported by specialist staff, including through the use of sign language.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are “attentive,” “polite,” and move around the school in a “mature, calm manner.”
- Governance is a strength, with governors who “challenge leaders appropriately” and are keen to support ongoing improvement.
- The early years curriculum builds effectively on prior learning, with staff addressing gaps through the “effective use of assessment.”
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not routinely check what pupils have learned in all subjects, meaning missed learning or misconceptions are not always identified.
- In some subjects, pupils in the same year group access different aspects of learning depending on their class, risking an inconsistent curriculum offer.
- Leaders must address poor attendance, as persistently absent pupils are “not able to learn as well as they should.”
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to identify and report issues promptly, and pupils taught how to stay safe in school, online, and in the local community.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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