NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School
69%
Capacity
412
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School
NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School is a state-funded Church of England primary school serving the Northumberland community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 412 pupils on roll, operating at 69% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sharon Cole, it falls under Northumberland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 38% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 12789th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 54th out of 58 in Northumberland.
NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 58 applications for 53 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 52 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School include Library, Outdoor Playground, Forest School, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Cricket, Swimming, Dance, as well as clubs including Book Club, Coding, Eco Club, Gardening.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 46.9%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Northumberland, NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School 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 | Church of England |
| Address | Central Parkway, Newbiggin-By-the-Sea, Northumberland, NE64 6RT |
| Headteacher | Sharon Cole |
| Local Authority | Northumberland |
| Number of Pupils | 412 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 46.9% |
| School Capacity | 412 / 594 (69% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
2 Jul 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 9 Sept 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (38%)
12789th of 13,686
Nationally
646th of 677
In North East
54th of 58
In Northumberland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
38%
Expected Standard
2%
Higher Standard
'22/23
67%
'23/24
38%
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
5Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed53
58
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
52 families put this school as their 1st choice (90% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About NCEA Grace Darling CofE Primary School
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
Central Parkway, Newbiggin-By-the-Sea
Northumberland, NE64 6RT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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