Portobello Primary School
Chester le Street, DH3 2LY · Gateshead · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 62 primary schools in Gateshead we can score, 66 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 — 7.2/10 against 3,700 of them, against 6.7/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Portobello Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% 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 (7.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 182 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Portobello Primary School
Overview
Portobello Primary School is described as a "calm and welcoming environment" where pupils feel safe and are encouraged to achieve well. The inspection confirms that the school continues to be a good school, with staff demonstrating strong relationships with pupils and families.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "logical and well-sequenced," with clear end goals that prepare children effectively for subsequent learning stages.
- Staff "check pupils’ understanding regularly" and address misconceptions promptly, ensuring knowledge is secure before introducing new topics.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "fully included in the life of the school" and receive skilled, individualised support.
- A "clear phonics programme" ensures pupils who need help are quickly identified and supported, fostering a genuine enjoyment of reading.
- Positive relationships and effective behaviour management create a "positive foundation for learning," with staff quickly addressing any incidents of poor behaviour.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum does not raise pupils’ awareness of different faiths and beliefs in sufficient depth; pupils "confuse religions and cannot discuss meaningful aspects of faith."
- The school should develop this aspect of the curriculum so that pupils learn more about different faiths and beliefs.
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 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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