Oakley Cross Primary School and Nursery
Bishop Auckland, DL14 9UD · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
88th 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 — 5.6/10 against 1,710 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Oakley Cross Primary School and Nursery 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%. For the higher standard, 11.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in literacy? How does the nursery phase transition into the main primary curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Oakley Cross Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Oakley Cross Primary School and Nursery continues to be a good school, described as a "welcoming, inclusive" environment where pupils feel safe and supported. Staff maintain high expectations, resulting in diligent work and orderly behaviour, with bullying occurring "very infrequently." The school prioritises reading and mathematics, ensuring pupils build knowledge effectively, though inconsistencies remain in some foundation subjects.
Strengths
- The school prioritises reading, with a "carefully sequenced" phonics programme that helps pupils become fluent readers.
- Pupils enjoy learning mathematics, building knowledge "gradually in small steps" with staff tackling misunderstandings straightaway.
- The curriculum is "ambitious" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with skilled staff providing tailored help.
- Staff are "warm and caring," helping younger children settle quickly and fostering independence from an early age.
- Local resources, such as a nearby Roman Fort and art gallery, are used to "stimulate pupils’ enjoyment of the curriculum."
Areas to improve
- In geography and history, pupils’ knowledge of links and themes between topics is insecure, and they lack confidence in using subject-specific terminology.
- Gaps in pupils’ map-reading skills hamper their progress, as some struggle to use maps effectively in activities.
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 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 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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