Finchale Primary School
Durham, DH1 5XT · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th 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 2,369 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.8/10 among them, against 8.7/10 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Finchale Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 19.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.8 out of 10 among them, against 8.7 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Dazzling Diamonds Dance, Durham FC pan disability sessions, and Fram Community Tennis Coaching. An after-school club is available for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 209 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 curriculum support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard? What specific support is available for children with additional needs during the day?
What Ofsted said about Finchale Primary School
Overview
Finchale Primary School has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils are described as proud members of the ‘Finchale family’ in a friendly environment where they ‘thrive’, ‘enjoy learning’, and ‘achieve highly’. The school is well led, with staff who are proud of their work and whose well-being is prioritised.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and taught in a ‘logical order’, with teachers using ‘secure subject knowledge’ to explain concepts clearly.
- Reading is a strong priority; phonics are delivered ‘consistently well’, and pupils develop a ‘secure understanding’ of inference and comprehension.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘learn successfully’, with teachers using detailed information to meet their needs effectively.
- Personal development is ‘very effective’, fostering resilience, inclusivity, and kindness, while pupils demonstrate ‘excellent manners’ and high attendance.
- Leaders maintain high standards, and governors play a ‘full and active part’ in the life of the school.
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not always check pupils’ understanding ‘consistently well’, leading to uncorrected misconceptions or gaps in knowledge.
- Strategies to help pupils embed learning in their ‘long-term memory’ vary in success, meaning some pupils struggle to connect new learning to past concepts.
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 | 81% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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