Burnhope Primary School

About Burnhope Primary School

Burnhope Primary School was rated Good in its most recent graded Ofsted inspection, a significant improvement from its previous Requires Improvement rating. The school’s most telling academic metric is its Key Stage 2 combined reading, writing and maths expected standard, which sits at 56% of pupils. That figure is below the County Durham local authority average of 62%, placing Burnhope 111th out of 170 primary schools in the area and in the bottom 50 nationally. However, the school’s individual subject scores tell a more nuanced story: 75% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, and 69% did so in both maths and writing. Average scaled scores were 103 in reading and 102 in maths, both just above the national benchmark of 100. The proportion reaching the higher standard was modest — 6% in reading and 13% in both maths and writing — but the school’s progress measures were not available in the data, so it is hard to judge how much value it adds from starting points.

The school’s Ofsted inspection in November 2024 confirmed that standards are being maintained, with leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness all rated Good. The early years provision had improved from a Requires Improvement rating in 2016 to Good, and the ungraded inspection found no decline in quality. With just 81 pupils on roll against a capacity of 105, Burnhope is a small, close-knit primary. It has a high proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals at 45.3%, well above the national average, and offers a nursery provision for children from age three. The school’s SEND support covers a wide range of needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs, making it a potentially strong fit for families whose children require additional support.

Burnhope is oversubscribed for Reception entry in 2025/26, with 11 applications for 6 places and all 6 first-preference applicants receiving offers, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.83. The school offers a range of facilities including a music room, sensory room, forest school, art studios, library and chapel, plus sports such as football, cricket, swimming and athletics. Clubs include drama, choir, art club and book club. For families in the County Durham area looking for a small primary with strong SEND provision and a Good Ofsted rating, Burnhope is a solid option, though its KS2 outcomes are below the local average. Parents should weigh the school’s inclusive, well-supported environment against its academic ranking when making their decision.

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