South Hetton Primary
Durham, DH6 2TJ · County Durham · primary school
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74th 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 — 6.6/10 against 1,800 of them, against 5.3/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 17.0 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
South Hetton Primary overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 17.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 pupils against a stated capacity of 231. 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 trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about South Hetton Primary
Overview
Pupils benefit from a curriculum designed to help them ‘branch out’ and learn about the wider world, fostering respect and independence. The school is praised for its strong values, effective leadership, and the ‘family feeling’ that makes children feel happy and safe. Recent curriculum strengthening has helped pupils achieve well, particularly in subjects where key knowledge is clearly identified.
Strengths
- Pupils understand the behaviour system, with bullying not being a problem and adults trusted to resolve issues.
- The curriculum promotes personal development through visits, residential trips, and discussions on equality and democracy.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring full inclusion.
- Leaders offer effective guidance and professional development, ensuring staff feel valued and supported.
- Early years provision teaches essential knowledge and vocabulary to help children make a strong start.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should clearly identify the most important knowledge in all subjects, such as science, to help teachers check learning and plan next steps.
- Leaders must ensure pupils at the early stages of learning to read use books that match their phonics knowledge to build fluency and confidence.
- Leaders are taking action to improve attendance for the small number of pupils who do not attend school often enough.
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 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 51% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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