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St Stephen's Church of England Primary School

Crook, DL15 0QH · County Durham · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2024 Inspected 2 years ago Mixed Primary Church of England
5.1/10 Broadly average

81st 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 — 6.3/10 against 2,230 of them, against 5.1/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 58.0 · 35 40% 1.39
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 13.0 · 78 25% 1.94

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

St Stephen's Church of England Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.1 out of 10 against all schools).

Beyond the classroom

Pupils join clubs for singing, chess, cookery, Forest Schools, crafts, ICT, and recorders, alongside football, netball, rugby, and gymnastics. An after-school club is available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 213 pupils against a stated capacity of 203. 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

What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? How are the Forest Schools sessions integrated into the weekly timetable?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about St Stephen's Church of England Primary School

Inspection report dated 13 March 2024

Overview

Pupils at St Stephen’s are described as proud of their school, enjoying learning and trusting adults to help them. The report highlights a strong sense of community, with parents, staff, and pupils describing the school like a ‘family’ where Christian values underpin experiences. Leaders are highly visible and approachable, and pupils achieve well through effective teaching and a curriculum that is ambitious for all.

Strengths

  • Reading is highly valued, with pupils taught to decode effectively and supported quickly if they find it difficult.
  • The curriculum is sensibly organised to help pupils build on prior knowledge, particularly in maths where ‘flashbacks’ boost confidence.
  • Pupils behave with maturity, demonstrating empathy, respect, and kindness towards others.
  • Staff feel supported and valued, appreciating recent professional development and leaders’ consideration of their well-being.
  • Governors are invested in the school’s life and kept well informed about progress.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders should ensure the clarity of curriculum thinking and assessment in the strongest subjects is replicated across all foundation subjects.
  • Leaders should ensure there are systems in place to consistently check the impact of the curriculum, including for pupils with SEND.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
58%
2024/25
Higher standard
13%
2024/25
Demand
×1.0
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
32%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

58% 2022/23
53% 2023/24
58% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for St Stephen's Church of England Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2358%
2023/2453%
2024/2558%
England64%

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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