Skerne Park Academy
Darlington, DL1 5AJ · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
25th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.5/10 against 752 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 35.0 · 5 | 40% | 0.20 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Skerne Park Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 35.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 248 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 support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy? What specific steps are being taken to address the areas highlighted in the 2024 inspection? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse needs of the student body?
What Ofsted said about Skerne Park Academy
Overview
Skerne Park Academy is described as a "rapidly improving school" where pupils feel safe and staff care deeply for their welfare. While behaviour, attendance, and early years provision are strong, the quality of education in key stages 1 and 2 is inconsistent, meaning pupils do not yet make the progress of which they are capable.
Strengths
- Behaviour and attitudes are good, with pupils demonstrating "wonderful walking" and valuing rewards for hard work.
- Attendance has "improved significantly" following focused efforts by the leadership team.
- Early years provision is a strength, with a stimulating environment and strong focus on vocabulary and independence.
- Personal development is supported through a wide range of opportunities, including educational visits and leadership roles.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and staff are well-trained in delivering the phonics programme.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must systematically check what pupils know and remember to identify gaps and adapt the curriculum accordingly.
- Curriculum implementation needs greater consistency so pupils secure their knowledge and make expected progress.
- The school must ensure new or recently developed curriculum aspects are fully embedded to have a positive impact.
- Work to secure pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values and protected characteristics requires development.
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 15% |
| 2024/25 | 35% |
| 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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