Gurney Pease Academy
72%
Capacity
197
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Gurney Pease Academy
Gurney Pease Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Darlington community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 197 pupils on roll, operating at 72% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Gurney Pease Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alison Sinclair, it falls under Darlington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 40% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 12409th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 23rd out of 26 in Darlington.
Gurney Pease Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 50 applications for 20 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 20 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Gurney Pease Academy include Library, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cricket, Gymnastics, Tennis and 3 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Film Club, Coding.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 50.5%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Darlington, Gurney Pease Academy is one of the options available in the North East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Dodsworth Street, Darlington, Darlington, DL1 2NG |
| Headteacher | Alison Sinclair |
| Local Authority | Darlington |
| Number of Pupils | 197 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 50.5% |
| School Capacity | 197 / 274 (72% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Oct 2021): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 9 Sept 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (40%)
12409th of 13,686
Nationally
626th of 677
In North East
23rd of 26
In Darlington
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
40%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
56%
'23/24
40%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed20
50
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
20 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gurney Pease Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Dodsworth Street, Darlington
Darlington, DL1 2NG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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