Tow Law Millennium Primary School
Bishop Auckland, DL13 4LF · County Durham · primary school
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152nd 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 — 2.1/10 against 1,567 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Tow Law Millennium Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% 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 (2.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 77 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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 move from the expected standard to the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes for the cohort? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in higher-standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about Tow Law Millennium Primary School
Overview
Tow Law Millennium Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by an environment where "staff and pupils have mutual respect." Leaders maintain high expectations, fostering a culture where pupils are "polite, curious and well behaved" and keen for everyone to be happy. The school effectively blends the taught curriculum with wider opportunities, including onsite animal care and community links.
Strengths
- Leaders have a "relentless focus on helping pupils to read," with phonics beginning early and daily reading supported by well-structured staff training.
- Pupils benefit from "mutual respect" and strong relationships; bullying is rare, and pupils know to report it immediately.
- The curriculum in reading and mathematics is "thoughtfully designed and taught well," with staff using assessment effectively to inform support.
- Dedicated support ensures "equality of opportunity" for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with access to the curriculum being "non-negotiable."
- Staff morale is high, with a "profound sense of togetherness" and appreciation for professional development opportunities.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, "curriculum thinking does not provide clear and appropriate examples," leading to confusion and staff workload issues; leaders must refine subject curriculums for clarity.
- Assessment is "not used consistently well" across all subjects, limiting teachers’ understanding of pupil knowledge gaps; leaders need to develop its effectiveness to inform teaching decisions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular high-quality training focused on local risks, and pupils feeling safe and trusting adults to follow up on concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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