Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Darlington, DL3 9EN · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
5th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.1/10 against 4,259 of them, against 8.0/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Holy Family Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Coding Club, Film Club, Football Club, and Athletics & Netball Club. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 234 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?
What Ofsted said about Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Overview
Holy Family Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, where leaders ensure every person is “valued, nurtured and respected as an individual.” The report highlights “highly positive relationships” and a community where pupils are “safe and happy,” thriving in an “ambitious” environment that fosters character and spiritual growth.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour, being “very polite and respectful” while acting as “superb role models” for younger children.
- Reading is “valued and promoted,” with staff using “precise and timely checks” to support those finding it hard, ensuring they build confidence and fluency.
- Provision for pupils’ personal development is “exceptional,” allowing pupils to “flourish as individuals” through spiritual activities, enrichment, and community service.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “nurtured and supported well,” accessing the same curriculum as their peers and experiencing success.
- The trust and school maintain a “mutually beneficial relationship,” with clear processes for oversight leading to “continuous improvement.”
Areas to improve
- In subjects such as phonics, mathematics, and geography, pupils do not retain learning securely enough in their long-term memory, struggling to recall taught knowledge.
- Leaders should develop further strategies to ensure pupils “embed knowledge successfully in their long-term memory” in these specific subjects.
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 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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