Northwood Primary School
Darlington, DL1 2HF · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
22nd 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 — 3.1/10 against 1,625 of them, against 2.7/10 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 | 56.0 · 30 | 40% | 1.18 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Northwood 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 2.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 429 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 manage class sizes when the roll exceeds capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the after-school club structure its activities for different age groups?
What Ofsted said about Northwood Primary School
Overview
Northwood Primary School continues to be a good school, providing an inclusive environment where pupils are proud of their education. Leaders deliver an ambitious, flexible curriculum that supports diverse pupil cohorts, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, resulting in many pupils achieving well.
Strengths
- Pupils are described as ‘resilient learners’ who become confident in speaking, reading, and writing, supported by ‘great teachers’.
- The school places a strong emphasis on literacy, with ‘precise phonics teaching’ and purposeful discussions helping children become ‘fluent, confident readers’.
- Teachers possess secure subject knowledge and typically use assessment to ensure pupils understand key facts and use subject-specific vocabulary accurately.
- The school provides comprehensively for personal development, helping pupils develop a ‘mature understanding of diversity and equality’ and positive relationships.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and staff are well-equipped through training to carry out their roles.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure teachers match learning activities and resources to pupils’ needs, as unsuitable materials can cause pupils to lose focus and slow their learning.
- Teachers need to check with ‘sufficient rigour’ that pupils have understood intended learning outcomes to prevent attention from drifting.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 44% |
| 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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