New Brancepeth Primary Academy
Durham, DH7 7EU · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
34th 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 — 8.6/10 against 816 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 62% | 4.51 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 38% | 2.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
New Brancepeth Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 9.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Craft Club, Lego/Construction, and Film Club, or play tennis and football. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 109 pupils against a stated capacity of 119. 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 are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How are places allocated if demand exceeds the 119 available spots?
What Ofsted said about New Brancepeth Primary Academy
Overview
New Brancepeth Primary Academy is described as a “small, nurturing school with big ambitions” where there is a “strong sense of belonging” shared by pupils and staff. The report highlights that leaders are taking “highly effective action” to improve education, resulting in a curriculum that is “well designed to build on pupils’ prior learning.” Overall, the school provides a “calm and purposeful environment” where pupils feel happy and safe, with leadership judged as exceptional.
Strengths
- Leadership is “exceptional,” with a culture of professional development and effective support from the trust.
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced, particularly in early years mathematics and phonics, where staff are “well trained” and pupils receive timely support.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities learn well due to quick identification of needs and helpful support plans.
- Personal development is a strength, with a programme teaching pupils about world religions, healthy relationships, and inclusivity.
- Staff feel “valued and listened to,” benefiting from strategies to reduce workload and enhance well-being.
Areas to improve
- Some areas of the curriculum are “less securely implemented,” meaning some pupils struggle to recall and connect knowledge in these subjects.
- The school should take further action to embed the curriculum and check that pupils are remembering and connecting their knowledge over time.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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