The Drive Community Primary School
Gateshead, NE10 0PY · Gateshead · primary school
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43rd of 62 primary schools in Gateshead we can score, 66 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 — 4.8/10 against 1,059 of them, against 3.6/10 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 | 55.0 · 27 | 40% | 1.10 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Drive Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the 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 (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 213 pupils against a stated capacity of 219. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about The Drive Community Primary School
Overview
The report states that the school’s overall effectiveness is ‘Good’, with all key judgement areas also rated ‘Good’. Leaders and teachers help pupils to ‘aspire to great things’, fostering a happy environment where pupils are ‘in control of their feelings’. The school has maintained its previous ‘Good’ rating, demonstrating strong relationships and a clear focus on pupil well-being.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit ‘good’ behaviour, with bullying described as ‘exceptionally rare’ and strong community links evident through initiatives like ‘Drive Ministers’.
- The curriculum is ‘sequenced well’ in most subjects, allowing pupils to ‘make connections in learning’ and build progressively on prior knowledge.
- A ‘systematic approach to the teaching of phonics’ ensures younger children read with confidence and are ‘quickly becoming fluent readers’.
- Inclusion is effectively promoted, ensuring ‘no pupil misses out on the educational offer’, with early identification of needs for those with special educational needs.
- Staff feel valued due to reduced unnecessary tasks and well-being initiatives, contributing to a ‘strong team spirit across adults in the school’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must clarify ‘essential knowledge pupils need’ in a few subjects, such as science and geography, where planning has not been clearly defined.
- Teachers need to be able to ‘systematically assess and check what pupils have learned and remembered over time’ by specifying required knowledge and assessment methods.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with well-trained staff alert to minor changes in pupils and detailed recording systems linking small ‘niggles’ to provide a bigger picture for each child.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 31% |
| 2023/24 | 54% |
| 2024/25 | 55% |
| 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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