Howden-le-Wear Primary School
Crook, DL15 8HJ · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
177th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 3,809 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 1.9/10 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 | 41.0 · 9 | 62% | 0.54 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 38% | 1.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Howden-le-Wear Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 41.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 1.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Tag Rugby, Netball, Football, Hockey, Basketball, Cricket, Athletics, and Tennis.
Getting in
The published school roll is 179 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 have not reached the expected standard? How are the various sports clubs scheduled during the school day?
What Ofsted said about Howden-le-Wear Primary School
Overview
Howden-le-Wear Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel valued, supported, and safe, with a "strong sense of belonging" that permeates the community. The report highlights "remarkable" pupil conduct and a curriculum that is "strongly embedded" in core subjects, particularly mathematics. While the school successfully fosters happy, confident citizens, it identifies specific gaps in pupils’ retention of knowledge in foundation subjects and their understanding of diverse faiths and cultures.
Strengths
- Pupils’ behaviour is "consistently impressive," driven by a genuine care for peers and adherence to "The Howden Code."
- Mathematics is a "particular strength," with key concepts introduced carefully to secure deep, long-term understanding.
- Reading is effectively prioritised, with staff well-trained in phonics, ensuring most pupils leave Year 1 with "sound knowledge."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are swiftly identified and receive "bespoke support" to access the full curriculum.
- Staff are "proud to work at the school," and leaders provide appropriate challenge and support.
Areas to improve
- In a minority of foundation subjects, key knowledge and subject-specific vocabulary are not sufficiently emphasised, meaning pupils do not fully secure important concepts in long-term memory.
- Provision for developing pupils’ understanding of different faiths and cultures is "not entirely effective," leaving them lacking a deep understanding of world religions and modern Britain’s cultural diversity.
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 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 41% |
| 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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