Sugar Hill Primary School
Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5NU · County Durham · primary school
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158th 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 — 3.2/10 against 2,289 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 52.0 · 22 | 62% | 1.36 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 38% | 1.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sugar Hill Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, 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 (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 448 pupils against a stated capacity of 468. 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 maths? What specific interventions are in place for the 5.0% who reach the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Sugar Hill Primary School
Overview
Sugar Hill Primary School is described as a “welcoming school” where pupils are “absolutely thriving” and feel “happy and safe.” The report highlights a “strong vision” for preparing pupils for life in modern Britain, supported by “exceptional” personal development opportunities and “exemplary” early years provision.
Strengths
- Pupils display “maturity” in their behaviour, with initiatives like ‘Mini police’ fostering a supportive environment where children “respect and care for each other.”
- The curriculum is well-sequenced, allowing pupils to “build knowledge over time,” particularly in subjects like mathematics where they practise “rapid recall.”
- Early years provision is “exemplary,” with “highly skilled staff” using high-quality resources to extend learning and establish “extremely well established” routines.
- Staff possess “expert knowledge” in phonics, ensuring pupils “learn to read fluently” through thorough checks and appropriate support for struggling readers.
- Leaders provide “purposeful and high-quality professional development,” creating a positive culture where staff appreciate support for their “workload and well-being.”
Areas to improve
- In a “small number of subjects,” assessment is “not used precisely,” meaning teachers are sometimes unsure of pupil misconceptions or gaps in knowledge.
- The school should ensure assessment is “used precisely across the whole curriculum” so teachers can effectively address these gaps and help pupils build knowledge as well as they could.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 52% |
| 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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