Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School
Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7DD · County Durham · primary school
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167th 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 — 1.7/10 against 290 of them, against 1.1/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 29.0 · 2 | 40% | 0.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (1.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 285 pupils against a stated capacity of 385. 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 and numeracy? What does a typical day look like for a child in the nursery section? How does the school plan to maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School
Overview
The report describes a school where "parents and carers are overwhelmingly supportive" and staff maintain "high expectations" that pupils consistently meet. Leaders provide a "broad and balanced curriculum" that fosters strong personal development, with particular success in early years, reading, and mathematics. However, inconsistencies in curriculum planning and assessment across all subjects require attention to ensure uniform high standards.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes" and behave well, benefiting from relationships based on "mutual respect" and a culture where bullying is "rare".
- The early years team has created a "well sequenced and ambitious curriculum" that effectively prepares children for Year 1, focusing on communication and language.
- Leaders prioritise a "love of reading" through systematic phonics and high-quality books, ensuring all pupils, including those who struggle, receive necessary support.
- Staff work successfully to ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) have "access to the full curriculum" and make good progress.
- Leaders are "knowledgeable" and care deeply about staff well-being, investing heavily in training to build subject confidence.
Areas to improve
- In subjects such as history and science, the curriculum is "not fully developed" and the "important knowledge" pupils need to learn is not clear.
- Approaches to assessment are "inconsistent"; in subjects with less clear curriculum thinking, teachers do not check effectively how successfully pupils acquire knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," supported by a "strong culture" where staff are vigilant, receive regular training, and work effectively with external agencies to protect pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 37% |
| 2023/24 | 29% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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