Sacriston Academy
Durham, DH7 6LQ · County Durham · primary school
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7th 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 — 9.1/10 against 1,571 of them, against 8.1/10 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 | 88.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.85 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sacriston Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 88.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.1 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Fun Fitness, Magical Science, Next Steps/Life Skills, Outdoor Arts Club, Photography, and Athletics. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 190 pupils against a stated capacity of 376. 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 new report-card framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Sacriston Academy
Overview
Sacriston Academy is described as a school where pupils are "happy," "polite," and "keen to talk about their learning." The report highlights a "warm" culture underpinned by trust, with leaders demonstrating a "clear and ambitious vision" that has resulted in strong standards across curriculum, behaviour, and inclusion.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well designed and carefully sequenced," ensuring pupils "build knowledge securely over time" and make connections across subjects.
- Behaviour is "highly positive," with pupils being "very polite" and following routines well, supported by a "consistent, school-wide approach to celebrating positive behaviour."
- Staff provide "tailored support" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), who are "well understood" and included in all aspects of school life.
- Leaders have established an "open culture" for safeguarding where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils "feel safe."
- The early years provision is "meticulous," with children making a "strong start" and being "very well prepared for Year 1."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "continue their work to ensure that the positive outcomes seen in 2025 are sustained over time."
- Leaders should "continue their work to support and challenge parents and carers to collaborate with school to ensure their children attend well," particularly for the small number of pupils for whom attendance remains a challenge.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 53% |
| 2024/25 | 88% |
| 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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