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Whittingham Church of England Primary School

Alnwick, NE66 4UP · Northumberland · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2023 Inspected 3 years ago Mixed Primary Church of England
3.9/10 Broadly average

34th of 60 primary schools in Northumberland we can score, 127 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 3,445 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.4/10 among them, against 3.1/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 50.0 · 19 40% 0.76
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 7.0 · 51 25% 1.27

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Whittingham Church of England Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.4 out of 10 among them, against 3.1 out of 10 nationally.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils join Eco Warriors and Rota Kids clubs. Sports include the Daily Mile, swimming, rugby, cricket, multisports, cross country, dance, and gymnastics. Arts activities feature Big Sing for Mini Singers, The Big Sing, Pantomime, and Opera North. Trips include the John Muir Award, and an after-school club is available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 81 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 bridge the gap between the current 50.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are used to maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Whittingham Church of England Primary School

Inspection report dated 26 May 2023

Overview

Whittingham Church of England Primary School continues to be a good school, sitting at the heart of its community with a welcoming atmosphere. Pupils feel safe and supported, with staff knowing them well and maintaining high expectations that result in good behaviour. The school offers a wide range of opportunities beyond the curriculum, fostering an enthusiasm for learning among pupils.

Strengths

  • Staff have high expectations, resulting in pupils who "behave well in lessons and around the school" and gain confidence through "well-planned activities".
  • Reading is prioritised effectively; staff deliver phonics with consistency, ensuring pupils read books "well matched to their phonic knowledge" and become "confident and fluent readers".
  • Leaders ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive prompt identification and appropriate interventions, allowing them to access their learning.
  • The curriculum in mathematics has been revised to be more engaging, with staff quickly assessing knowledge to enable pupils to make "strong progress".
  • Staff are positive about the support they receive from leaders, who show consideration for their "workload and well-being".

Areas to improve

  • In a few subjects, leaders have not made clear enough the precise content pupils need to know, meaning pupils do not build knowledge securely; leaders should identify key knowledge and skills for all subjects.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and leaders keeping accurate records to escalate concerns to other agencies if required.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
50%
2024/25
Higher standard
7%
2024/25
Demand
×1.0
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
7%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

64% 2022/23
73% 2023/24
50% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Whittingham Church of England Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2364%
2023/2473%
2024/2550%
England64%

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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