High Spen Primary School
Rowlands Gill, NE39 2BQ · Gateshead · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd of 62 primary schools in Gateshead we can score, 66 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 — 6.9/10 against 2,894 of them, against 6.1/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
High Spen Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 172 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 working towards the higher standard? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about High Spen Primary School
Overview
High Spen Primary School continues to be a good school where leaders put pupils at the heart of all activities. The report describes a community where pupils feel part of an "extended family" and are "thriving in school," supported by staff who "go the extra mile."
Strengths
- Reading is a clear priority, with staff trained to teach sounds accurately, resulting in pupils who "learn to read with fluency and confidence."
- The curriculum in early years and mathematics is well-designed, helping children make a "strong start" and enabling pupils to "calculate mentally and reason verbally."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are quickly identified and receive effective support, allowing them to "achieve well."
- Positive relationships are evident, with a school culture of "looking out for each other" where bullying is not tolerated and dealt with quickly.
- Staff feel valued, with leaders ensuring time for collaborative planning and prioritising staff well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, the curriculum has not been implemented as intended, leading to gaps in some pupils' knowledge.
- Leaders should ensure staff receive subject-specific training to teach all subjects well and create opportunities for pupils to revisit key knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff noticing concerns early and reporting them promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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