Wolsingham Primary School
Bishop Auckland, DL13 3ET · County Durham · primary school
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42nd 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 — 7.7/10 against 3,450 of them, against 7.1/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 76.0 · 80 | 41% | 3.30 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 33% | 1.71 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 26% | 1.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Wolsingham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join The Mustard Tree, Spring Crafts, Football, Multi-Sports, Girls' Football, and the Choir.
Getting in
The published school roll is 163 pupils against a stated capacity of 231. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What does a typical lunchtime look like for children involved in the football clubs? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Wolsingham Primary School
Overview
Wolsingham Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils enjoy attending and value strong relationships with classmates. Leaders have carefully selected knowledge and skills to help pupils build resilience and social awareness, with particular success in early reading and mathematics.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, listen attentively, and are eager to learn, with bullying described as rare and quickly addressed.
- Early reading is prioritised, with phonics starting in Nursery and extra help offered to ensure pupils ‘keep up, not catch up’.
- Pupils do well in mathematics, demonstrating a strong understanding of number and place value, and can explain their thinking.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified and receive tailored support, with governors closely monitoring progress.
- The curriculum supports pupils to be safe and prepared for life in modern Britain, including work on online safety and fundamental British values.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure reading books connect closely with pupils’ phonic knowledge, as some struggle with fluency due to mismatched texts.
- Leaders must ensure knowledge and skills are carefully sequenced in all foundation subjects, as current planning in some areas does not sufficiently build on prior knowledge.
- Leaders should consult with parents to ensure they receive the information needed to support their children, particularly regarding SEND.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with clear reporting systems, regular staff training, and appropriate recruitment checks in place.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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