Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School
Darlington, DL2 3NL · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
13th 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 — 9.7/10 against 4,023 of them, against 9.5/10 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 | 84.0 · 93 | 40% | 3.72 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 31.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.46 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 84.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 31.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Pick and Mix, Paw Print, Creative, Tag Rugby, Football, and Pilates clubs. The school provides both breakfast and after-school care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 179 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Creative Club?
What Ofsted said about Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School
Overview
Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School is judged ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ ratings for behaviour and attitudes and personal development. The report describes a school at the heart of the community where pupils are “rightly proud” and benefit from “strong, trusting relationships” that help them feel safe. Leaders have designed an “aspirational curriculum” that goes beyond the national curriculum in many subjects, fostering a love of learning and high achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils’ behaviour is “exceptional,” with children taking increasing responsibility for their actions and supporting the well-being of others.
- The school promotes personal development “extremely well,” ensuring pupils are “exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain” through activities like gorge walking and leadership roles.
- Reading is prioritised with an “expertly taught” phonics scheme; pupils who struggle are “quickly identified” and receive support, leading to extremely high achievement.
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced with “meaningful connections across subjects” to help pupils retain important knowledge over time.
- Staff are “valued” and “proud to work at the school,” with leaders considering workload and well-being in their decisions.
Areas to improve
- Assessment in some foundation subjects, including computing, is not used effectively to check what pupils know, occasionally resulting in tasks that are “too hard” because readiness for complex learning is not checked.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” although it notes that on occasions records do not fully reflect the actions taken to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 92% |
| 2023/24 | 85% |
| 2024/25 | 84% |
| 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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