Heighington Church of England Primary School
Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6PH · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
9th 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 the 4,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.7/10 among them, against 7.2/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heighington Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 17.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.7 out of 10 among them, against 7.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 248 pupils against a stated capacity of 266. 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 do not reach the expected standard in core subjects? What does a typical day look like for a child in the upper years? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2025 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Heighington Church of England Primary School
Overview
Heighington Church of England Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report confirms that pupils “flourish” in an environment characterised by high expectations, where they develop confidence and a strong sense of equality. Parents are “very positive” about the school, noting that staff are “amazing” and that children thrive.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “aspirational” and “carefully sequenced,” allowing pupils to build on prior knowledge, with “very effective support” for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Reading is central to the school’s work; staff deliver the phonics programme “exceptionally well,” helping pupils become “confident, fluent readers” through high-quality texts.
- Pupils demonstrate “excellent” attitudes, attending “very regularly” and participating “exceptionally well” in lessons, taking “great pride in their work.”
- Early years provision is “exceptionally well planned,” with children cooperating well and developing vocabulary through engaging activities.
- Staff workload and well-being are prioritised, contributing to a culture where “pastoral care is a strength for both staff and pupils.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, assessment is not used precisely to move pupils on to more challenging tasks when knowledge is consolidated, meaning understanding is “not as deep as it could be.” Leaders should ensure pupils progress to more complex curriculum areas when ready.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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