Nettlesworth Primary School
Chester le Street, DH2 3PF · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
26th 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 — 9.0/10 against 2,364 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Nettlesworth Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Mini Makers, Rights Respecting Club, Drama Club, Homework Club, Relax Kids, Aquilla, Maths Challenge Club, and Art club. Multiskills sports and trips to Seaburn Beach are offered. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 105 pupils against a stated capacity of 117. 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 expected standard? What specific activities are included in the Multiskills sessions? How is the transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 managed?
What Ofsted said about Nettlesworth Primary School
Overview
Nettlesworth Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a happy place where pupils feel safe and settled. Leaders set high expectations for personal, social, and academic success, supported by exceptionally caring staff and excellent pupil behaviour.
Strengths
- Pupils’ behaviour is “excellent,” with classrooms being “calm and purposeful” and pupils demonstrating “excellent manners.”
- The curriculum meets national scope, with subject-specific knowledge “mapped out step by step” to ensure good progress.
- Early reading is strengthened by a new phonics approach, giving Reception children a “secure knowledge of letter sounds.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “fully included” and receive timely support and curriculum adaptations.
- Staff are happy and supportive, engaging in “random acts of kindness,” while governors effectively support leaders.
Areas to improve
- Subject leaders must strengthen curriculum planning to provide more opportunities for pupils to “extend their thinking and gain a deeper understanding.”
- Leaders need to ensure assessments focus on how well pupils have secured “subject-specific knowledge and skills from the taught curriculum,” rather than using disconnected checks.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “strong culture” established, meticulous record-keeping, and pupils feeling very safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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