Springfield Academy
Darlington, DL1 2AN · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
19th 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 — 6.9/10 against 1,596 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 | 79.0 · 86 | 40% | 3.43 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Springfield Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 79.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools). An inspection took place in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 236 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 roll matching capacity exactly, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific entry years? Since the higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, what specific interventions are in place for children who exceed the expected standard? How does the new inspection framework affect the current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Springfield Academy
Overview
Springfield Academy is described as a "highly inclusive school" where "pupils flourish" and feel part of a supportive community. The report highlights that leaders have created an environment where "the most vulnerable pupils flourish," with strong improvements in attendance and academic standards, particularly for disadvantaged children.
Strengths
- Inclusion is at the "heart of leaders' decision-making," with staff being "highly knowledgeable" about pupil needs, enabling considerable progress for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed," ensuring pupils "feel safe."
- Attendance has improved significantly, with leaders working "tirelessly" to address absences; pupils increasingly attend well and behave with "enthusiasm" in "calm and purposeful classrooms."
- Pupils achieve well in foundational subjects, with attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics by Year 6 being "close to the national average," including for disadvantaged pupils.
- Staff and families enjoy "productive relationships," with parents praising the "pastoral and academic support" and viewing leaders as "trusted partners."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure tasks and activities enable pupils to "deepen their knowledge and understanding" and achieve higher standards, as some tasks currently lack sufficient focus on deep subject knowledge.
- Monitoring of curriculum impact in some foundation subjects needs to be "sharpened" to more precisely plan actions for highly effective teaching across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The report states that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an "open culture" where safeguarding is "everyone's responsibility" and pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 79% |
| 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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