Thomas Walling Primary Academy
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 3PL · Newcastle upon Tyne · primary school
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17th of 63 primary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne we can score, 72 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 — 9.1/10 against 431 of them, against 7.2/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thomas Walling Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Skills Builder, Forest school, and the school choir. They perform at Christmas and end-of-year events and communicate with a partner school in France. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 412 pupils against a stated capacity of 488. 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 Forest school curriculum integrate with daily lessons? What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How is the partnership with the French school structured for younger children?
What Ofsted said about Thomas Walling Primary Academy
Overview
Thomas Walling Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection, where it was judged good for overall effectiveness. The report describes a school where pupils thrive within a caring ethos, benefiting from high expectations and a secure framework for behaviour known as the ‘Thomas Walling Way’. Classrooms are described as calm and purposeful, with pupils behaving well and learning undisturbed.
Strengths
- Pupils’ outcomes compare favourably to national averages, with the school actively minimising barriers to learning.
- The approach to reading is well established; pupils acquire phonics knowledge securely and most are fluent readers by the end of Year 1.
- Staff swiftly identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are fully included and make positive progress.
- The personal development programme prepares pupils well for life in modern Britain, teaching them to respect others and stay safe online.
- Attendance rates are improving, with persistent absence reducing markedly due to the dedicated work of the welfare team.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is not firmly embedded, leading to less secure knowledge; teaching must check prior knowledge before introducing new content.
- There are inconsistencies in the implementation of the early writing curriculum, affecting letter formation and transcription skills, which the school should iron out.
Safeguarding
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 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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