Newker Primary School
Chester le Street, DH2 3AA · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
59th 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 — 6.9/10 against 2,443 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 62% | 3.86 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 38% | 1.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Newker Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 340 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 working towards the expected standard? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How are class sizes managed given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about Newker Primary School
Overview
Newker Primary School is described as having a "calm and orderly atmosphere" where pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning" and high expectations for conduct. The report highlights a curriculum with "clear ambition for all," particularly noting strong provision in early years, reading, and mathematics. Leaders and governors are praised for their community focus and effective oversight of safeguarding and attendance.
Strengths
- Pupils are "respectful and polite," behaving well in classrooms and appreciating the variety of break-time activities.
- Teaching of reading is "central to the curriculum," with staff expertise in phonics ensuring pupils become "confident, fluent readers."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "identified well" and receive necessary support to access the full curriculum alongside peers.
- Attendance has improved, particularly for those previously persistently absent, due to effective strategies and support from staff and families.
- Governors are "strongly community focused" and maintain "strong oversight of the safeguarding and attendance of its pupils."
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, curriculum delivery is inconsistent, meaning some pupils have not covered all key knowledge; the school must ensure subjects are delivered in the "desired sequence."
- Learning around equality and diversity is "not strong enough" and is not implemented effectively across all year groups, limiting pupils' personal development.
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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