Montalbo Nursery & Primary School
Barnard Castle, DL12 8TN · County Durham · primary school
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3rd 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 — 9.7/10 against 4,224 of them, against 9.5/10 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 | 85.0 · 94 | 40% | 3.75 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 30.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.45 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Montalbo Nursery & Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 85.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 30.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Taekwondo, football, athletics, cricket, gymnastics and swimming, alongside a School Council and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 240 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 is the after-school club structured for daily attendance?
What Ofsted said about Montalbo Nursery & Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Montalbo Nursery & Primary School receive an "exceptional education" within a culture of respect and high expectations. The report describes a school where pupils are "happy and feel safe," with "exemplary" behaviour and attitudes towards learning. Leaders have designed a "highly ambitious" curriculum that is meticulously planned and delivered with great expertise.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "knowledge-rich" and provides a "coherent sequence of learning" from early years through to Year 6, with work in pupils’ books being of a "very high quality".
- Staff show a "deep commitment to reading," with teachers acting as "experts in teaching reading" and providing well-matched support for those needing extra help.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "highly effective," involving close collaboration with external experts.
- "Warm relationships exist throughout the school," with pupils from different phases playing and working together "extremely well".
- Governance is "very strong," with governors who are "committed" and "unafraid to challenge leaders when necessary".
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with leaders maintaining a "strong culture of safeguarding" and ensuring adults know the signs of vulnerability and reporting processes.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 90% |
| 2023/24 | 100% |
| 2024/25 | 85% |
| 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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