Firthmoor Primary School
Darlington, DL1 4RW · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 27 primary schools in Darlington we can score, 29 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 — 6.5/10 against 1,123 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Firthmoor Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% 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 this, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection was in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 279 pupils against a stated capacity of 365. 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 in the after-school club? How does the new inspection framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Firthmoor Primary School
Overview
Firthmoor Primary School is described as an "improving school" where pupils are "happy, friendly and welcoming." Leaders have made "significant improvements" in recent years, including strengthening phonics teaching and making the curriculum "more ambitious," with early signs of positive impact on attainment and attendance.
Strengths
- Pupils "make secure progress" and "typically achieve well across the curriculum," with effective support for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Staff build "warm and positive relationships" with pupils, creating a "calm and orderly" environment where children are "polite and respectful."
- The early years provision is strong, with staff interactions being a "notable strength" that helps children develop independence and a "love of reading."
- Pupils are "well prepared for life in modern Britain," demonstrating knowledge of fundamental British values and strategies to manage their emotions.
- Leaders use additional funding effectively to support disadvantaged pupils and have established a "highly ambitious" personal development programme.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should support staff to "further embed the implementation of recent curriculum changes" so pupils' knowledge builds more securely, particularly in subjects like religious education.
- Rigorous checks on pupils' understanding must be "consistently carried out throughout lessons" to address misconceptions promptly.
- Leaders need to "continue to actively address incidents of bullying" and further embed the personal development programme to ensure consistent mutual respect.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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