Lumley Junior School
Chester le Street, DH3 4JJ · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
31st 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.8/10 against 2,689 of them, against 7.9/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lumley Junior 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 12.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Boardgame, Dance, STEM, Christmas, Choir, Computer Science, Japanese and Newspaper Clubs. Sports options include Invasion Games, Cricket, Fencing, Football, Netball, Table Tennis and Tag Rugby. A residential visit is offered, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 186 pupils against a stated capacity of 196. 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 higher standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club? How does the school prepare pupils for the residential visit?
What Ofsted said about Lumley Junior School
Overview
Lumley Junior School continues to be a good school, described as "warm and welcoming" with positive relationships between staff and pupils. The school fosters a strong sense of community where pupils feel safe and are encouraged to contribute their ideas. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, supported by a "thoughtfully constructed curriculum."
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well, particularly in mathematics, where they are described as "confident mathematicians" with secure knowledge.
- The curriculum is "broad and balanced" and "sequenced well" so that pupils build their knowledge over time from Year 3 to Year 6.
- Staff provide appropriate support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, helping them to learn the same curriculum as their peers.
- There is a broad extra-curricular programme, including well-attended sporting clubs and educational visits that deepen understanding.
- Staff feel supported by leaders who are "mindful of their workload and welfare," and governors are "very active in their support for the school."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not consistently expect pupils to apply their subject knowledge when drawing conclusions, preventing them from making connections between concepts.
- The school should ensure that pupils have regular opportunities to apply their subject-specific knowledge to build on prior learning.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 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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