Wheatley Hill Community Primary School
Durham, DH6 3RQ · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
91st 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.8/10 against 1,577 of them, against 4.6/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wheatley Hill Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 445 pupils against a stated capacity of 251. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support structures are in place for pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing such a high intake?
What Ofsted said about Wheatley Hill Community Primary School
Overview
Pupils thrive in a “nurturing environment” where they feel “confident and safe,” supported by “excellent relationships” with staff. The school is praised for its “exemplary” behaviour and an “ambitious curriculum” that fosters a strong sense of local identity, particularly in geography and history. While overall effectiveness is rated Good, specific improvements are required regarding reading fluency and leadership accountability.
Strengths
- “Exemplary” behaviour and attitudes, with staff maintaining high expectations and teaching pupils to “manage their feelings and be kind.”
- Highly effective support for pupils with SEND, who are “fully included in the wider life of the school” and access specialist strategies.
- An “exceptional physical education offer,” including early swimming and sailing, alongside popular outdoor education opportunities.
- Strong local identity development through geography and history, where pupils have “excellent recall of their learning.”
- Effective safeguarding arrangements and positive mental health promotion, including staff “check in” routines and external counselling.
Areas to improve
- Ensure all staff develop pupils’ fluency in reading, as support for younger children is “less effective” and weaker readers are not catching up quickly enough.
- Take effective action to encourage a “love of reading” among all pupils, including providing greater support to parents to help encourage reading at home.
- Clarify leadership roles and lines of accountability so governors and phase leaders have the necessary information and skills to “hold others to account.”
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 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DH6 3RQ, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT