Ribbon School
Seaham, SR7 9QR · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
64th 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 — 7.1/10 against 1,673 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| 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.
Ribbon School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 11.0% achieved it, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 514 pupils against a stated capacity of 478. 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
With the last inspection in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Ribbon School
Overview
Ribbon Academy is described as an "inclusive, nurturing school" where "pupils flourish" and enjoy attending. The report highlights a positive learning environment with high expectations for behaviour and achievement, resulting in pupils who feel safe and are eager to learn.
Strengths
- The "wider personal development (PD) curriculum is exceptional," offering rich experiences such as educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.
- "Early years provision" is outstanding, with staff providing a "magical learning journey" that encourages curiosity and independence.
- Reading is "at the heart of the curriculum," supported by effective phonics teaching and a strong culture where "pupils at Ribbon Academy love to read."
- Staff benefit from "ongoing high-quality professional development," creating a "broad and inspiring curriculum" in most subjects.
- There is a "strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff," who are overwhelmingly positive about leadership support.
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not use assessment consistently in some subjects to "identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge and understanding," which can hinder learning progress.
- Leaders must ensure "purposeful assessment is used to identify gaps in pupils’ learning equally well in all subjects."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture of safeguarding" where leaders prioritise pupil welfare and concerns are followed up robustly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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