St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School
Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7HB · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
170th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.7/10 against 202 of them, against 0.5/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 25.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 25.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 147 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the current performance gap?
What Ofsted said about St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School
Overview
St Francis CofE (Aided) Junior School continues to be a good school, described as a "nurturing and aspirational" environment where pupils feel valued. The report highlights a positive learning atmosphere, high expectations for behaviour, and a curriculum that effectively prepares pupils for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- The school provides a "caring atmosphere" with "carefully curated spaces" that create an inclusive environment where pupils feel at ease.
- Teachers adapt the curriculum to help pupils fill knowledge gaps, ensuring they "achieve well by the end of key stage 2".
- Staff provide "precise help" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), knowing their needs well.
- Reading is prioritised through daily skills lessons, which have improved pupils’ "comprehension and reading fluency".
- Pupils are highly engaged in extra-curricular activities and leadership roles, which develop their confidence and community contribution.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure that gaps in pupils’ reading knowledge are addressed quickly, as some pupils needing help do not receive it regularly enough.
- Transition arrangements for new pupils with SEND need review to ensure they receive "timely and effective support" without delay.
- Processes to improve pupils’ attendance and punctuality must be strengthened, as irregular attendance causes missed learning and knowledge gaps.
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 32% |
| 2024/25 | 25% |
| 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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