The Rydal Academy
Darlington, DL1 4BH · Darlington · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd of 27 primary schools in Darlington we can score, 29 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 — 2.8/10 against 1,044 of them, against 2.2/10 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 | 46.0 · 14 | 40% | 0.55 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Rydal Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 584 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 to bridge the gap between the 46.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the 4.0% achieving the higher standard? How does the 2023 inspection report guide current teaching improvements?
What Ofsted said about The Rydal Academy
Overview
The report describes The Rydal Academy as a "warm and caring school" where staff aim to make it a "haven for all who attend." Leaders provide "calm and purposeful leadership," creating an environment where pupils are valued as unique individuals and settle quickly, even when arriving at unexpected times.
Strengths
- The curriculum has been overhauled to include "discrete subject-specific lessons," with subject leaders mapping out essential knowledge step-by-step.
- Assessment approaches are effective, allowing staff to quickly identify learning gaps and organise "extra interventions," such as same-day phonics support.
- Pupils demonstrate confidence in reading, using books "well matched to their knowledge" and studying a "wide range of genres."
- The school’s work to support pupils’ mental health and well-being is described as "impressive," including the use of peer "mental health champions."
- Staff morale is high, with leaders actively managing workload and providing support, while governors show an "acute understanding of the challenges faced by the community."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should review the sequencing of the curriculum for relationships education and cultural diversity to ensure "sufficient coverage of important knowledge."
- Leaders need to further embed schemes of work to "iron out any remaining variability in implementation," ensuring all pupils gain intended subject-specific knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a diligent officer and committed team ensuring factual recording, timely actions, and regular staff training.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 33% |
| 2024/25 | 46% |
| 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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