North Park Primary School
Spennymoor, DL16 6PP · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
127th 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 — 4.7/10 against 378 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
North Park Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in School Council and Forest School, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 243 pupils against a stated capacity of 266. 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 Forest School curriculum integrate with the core subjects? What specific support is provided for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the school manage the transition for children joining from other areas?
What Ofsted said about North Park Primary School
Overview
North Park Primary School is described as a place where pupils “thoroughly enjoy school” and benefit from “warm and trusting” relationships. Leaders have successfully addressed learning gaps from the pandemic, particularly in phonics and writing, ensuring pupils can now demonstrate strong recall and confidence. The school fosters a positive culture where behaviour is good and pupils feel safe and supported.
Strengths
- Pupils display “good manners and courtesy” and behave well, with bullying being rare and quickly resolved by adults.
- Phonics is taught effectively using consistent routines, helping most pupils to read “fluently and with understanding” and fostering a love of reading.
- The curriculum in subjects like mathematics and art is well-organised, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively from Reception to Year 6.
- Leaders provide “rich and meaningful experiences,” including visits to local landmarks and activities that develop resilience and emotional well-being.
- The school is highly inclusive, with effective support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring “no one is left out.”
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, key knowledge and linking concepts are not identified clearly enough, causing pupils to struggle to connect their learning.
- Pupils lack sufficient opportunities to practise and apply their knowledge in certain subjects, hindering the embedding of learning in long-term memory.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that leaders treat it as the “foundation of everything they do” with vigilant staff and robust systems in place.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 23% |
| 2023/24 | 39% |
| 2024/25 | 56% |
| 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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