NCEA James Knott CofE Primary School

About NCEA James Knott CofE Primary School

NCEA James Knott CofE Primary School is a Church of England state primary in Northumberland, currently home to 219 pupils against a capacity of 262, leaving some headroom for growth. The school serves a community with above-average economic disadvantage: 35.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the national primary average of around 23%. Demand is strong — for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 46 applications for 27 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 1.7 applicants per place. All 25 first-preference applicants were offered a spot, suggesting that while competition exists, local families who prioritise the school are likely to secure a place. The school also offers nursery provision for children from age 2, which may appeal to families looking for continuity from early years through to Year 6.

Academically, the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2024 rated it Good across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision. At Key Stage 2, 45% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — below the Northumberland local authority average of 56%. The school ranks 45th out of 58 primaries in the county on this measure, placing it in the bottom half. Individual subject scores show reading as a relative strength, with 69% of pupils reaching the expected standard and an average scaled score of 102, while maths saw 55% at expected and an average score of 100. Only 3% of pupils achieved the higher standard across all three subjects, and 14% did so in maths. Progress scores are not available in the data, so it’s unclear how much value the school adds relative to starting points.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a library, sports hall, sensory room, chapel, and playing fields, plus clubs such as eco club, coding, science club and drama. Sports provision covers football, cricket, netball, athletics, tennis and dance. SEND support is formally designated for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent View responses from 39 families show strong satisfaction overall: 85% would recommend the school, and 69% strongly agreed that their child is happy and feels safe. However, responses on SEND support were more mixed — 59% strongly agreed that SEND children get the support they need, but 14% strongly disagreed, and 18% disagreed. This school may suit families who value a Church of England ethos, early years provision from age 2, and a community feel, but those prioritising top-tier academic outcomes may want to look at higher-performing local options such as Bothal Primary School, rated Outstanding and 1.9 km away.

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