Thornton Dale CofE Primary School
Pickering, YO18 7TW · North Yorkshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
61st of 252 primary schools in North Yorkshire we can score, 290 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 the 4,132 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3/10 among them, against 6.3/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 62% | 2.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 38% | 3.48 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thornton Dale CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 19.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3 out of 10 among them, against 6.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 146 pupils against a stated capacity of 190. 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 core subjects? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 146?
What Ofsted said about Thornton Dale CofE Primary School
Overview
Thornton Dale CofE Primary School is described as a "carefully crafted, nurturing environment" where pupils are "happy, polite and articulate." The report highlights that staff hold "extremely high expectations" and that pupils, including those with special educational needs, achieve well within a culture defined by "kindness, friendship and respect."
Strengths
- Early years provision is "exceptional," with staff using "adventurous language" to deepen learning through play.
- Pupils develop into "highly confident and fluent readers" through quality phonics support.
- Behaviour is "highly positive," with pupils showing "remarkable" empathy and tolerance.
- Personal development is a high priority, featuring an "exemplary programme" that fosters spiritual and social growth.
- Leadership has been "relentless in making continued improvements," ensuring staff well-being is a priority.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure that "gaps in pupils’ phonics knowledge are addressed swiftly and effectively," as a small number of pupils currently do not have these gaps identified quickly enough.
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 | 80% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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