West Park Academy
Darlington, DL2 2GF · Darlington · primary school
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10th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.6/10 against 4,259 of them, against 6.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
West Park Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 18.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Energy Club, Dance, Archery, and Cookery Club, or play Football and Multi Sports. Trips include visits to Durham Cathedral, Bowes Museum, Segedunum, The Life Centre, Darlington Hippodrome, Broom House Farm, Thornaby Mosque, and Newcastle Synagogue. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 464 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the various clubs and trips scheduled to ensure broad access for all year groups?
What Ofsted said about West Park Academy
Overview
West Park Academy continues to be a good school, described as a vibrant environment where pupils are happy and enthusiastically engage in learning. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in strong pupil achievement, particularly in reading and phonics, alongside a calm and orderly atmosphere.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious and relevant," with strong links to the local area that help pupils understand their heritage.
- Reading is a clear priority; staff are "highly effective" in delivering phonics, and pupils achieve well in this area.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is "particularly strong," with tailored provision ensuring these pupils thrive.
- Attendance is high due to effective tracking systems, and behaviour is positive, with bullying being rare and dealt with swiftly.
- Staff feel supported by leaders who are mindful of workload, and parents are "overwhelmingly positive" about the school.
Areas to improve
- Assessment is not yet well embedded across some foundation subjects, meaning staff do not consistently identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge.
- The school should ensure all foundation subjects have a systematic approach to assessment to monitor pupil progress effectively.
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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