Mowden Junior School
Darlington, DL3 9DE · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st 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 4,296 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 | 90 | 35% | 3.16 |
| 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.
Mowden 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%. 13.0% 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 (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.0 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection was in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 295 pupils against a stated capacity of 248. 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
With the June 2026 inspection using the new framework, which specific areas received the highest grades? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Mowden Junior School
Overview
Mowden Junior School provides a high-quality education where pupils are "happy and safe" in a "warm and supportive learning environment." The majority of pupils achieve outcomes "significantly above those seen nationally," with strong standards in attendance, behaviour, and inclusion. While the school is making important improvements, some pupils require further support to secure foundational skills.
Strengths
- Attendance is high, with leaders having "successful strategies in place to secure high standards of attendance and punctuality."
- Pupils behave "consistently well," showing "high levels of respect for one another and adults," and bullying is rare.
- Inclusion is central to the school’s work, ensuring disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND "achieve well" through tailored support.
- Personal development is prioritised, offering a "coherent programme" that includes clubs, sports, and community contributions.
- The curriculum is "broad and balanced," with core subjects taught well and foundation subjects enhanced to build deep knowledge.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should improve the quality of teaching so that pupils in all year groups consistently benefit from the high standards seen in the best of the school’s work.
- Leaders should enhance achievement for pupils with gaps in "spelling, handwriting and number formation, and in their understanding and use of subject vocabulary."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 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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