Hesleden Primary School
Hartlepool, TS27 4PT · County Durham · primary school
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183rd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.7/10 against 2,785 of them, against 1.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 42.0 · 10 | 40% | 0.38 |
| Ofsted | 1 | 35% | 0.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hesleden Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 42.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.0 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art & Craft, TTRS/Maths club, Games Club, Booster Club, and Choir, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 85 pupils against a stated capacity of 134. 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 have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children progress towards the higher standard? How does the recent inspection feedback influence current teaching practices?
What Ofsted said about Hesleden Primary School
Overview
Hesleden Primary School is a small, rural setting where pupils feel safe, valued, and enjoy coming to school. While leaders have successfully improved behaviour and attendance, the report identifies that recent staffing disruptions have negatively impacted teaching quality and pupil achievement. Consequently, significant improvements are required in curriculum delivery, assessment, and support for vulnerable pupils to ensure consistent learning outcomes.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are actively identified and managed.
- Attendance is typically high, with "innovative solutions" like car-sharing reducing persistent absence.
- Behaviour is calm and respectful, with rare incidents of bullying and positive attitudes to learning.
- Pupils develop strong phonics skills and become "confident readers" by the end of key stage 2.
- Staff morale is positive, and leaders act with integrity, placing "the interests of pupils at the heart of their decision-making."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers use assessment accurately to identify and address "gaps in pupils’ knowledge" across the curriculum.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) requires quicker identification and more robust curriculum adaptation.
- Leaders should ensure pupils develop a stronger understanding of "fundamental British values" and diverse faiths.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," confirming that leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 82% |
| 2023/24 | 89% |
| 2024/25 | 42% |
| 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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