New Delaval Primary School

About New Delaval Primary School

New Delaval Primary School is a state-funded, mixed-gender primary in Northumberland that currently serves 237 pupils against a capacity of 315, meaning there is room for around 78 more children. The school’s intake stands out for its high level of disadvantage: 48.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure well above the national average and a clear signal of the community it supports. Demand for places is strong — for the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 37 applications for 27 places, with 24 of those coming as first preferences, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.37. That level of competition suggests local families see real value here, despite the school not being among the highest-performing in the local authority. It offers nursery provision for children aged two and up, and the headteacher is Paul Struthers.

Academically, New Delaval achieves a mixed picture at Key Stage 2. In the 2023/24 results, 53% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, which is slightly below the Northumberland local authority average of 56%. The school ranks 34th out of 58 primary schools in the county on this measure, placing it in the bottom half of local schools. However, individual subject scores are more encouraging: 74% met the expected standard in reading and 71% in writing, with reading also seeing 26% of pupils reaching the higher standard. Maths scores are lower, with 63% at expected and just 11% at the higher level. The average scaled score in maths was 101, while reading averaged 105. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in June 2024, rated it Good across all categories — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision — a consistent improvement from its previous Good rating in 2019, which had weaker marks in early years and leadership.

The school is well equipped with facilities including a library, sensory room, outdoor playground, art studios, dining hall, gymnasium, playing fields and even a chapel. Sports provision covers cross country, athletics, rounders, football and dance, while clubs extend to choir, art, science, chess, film and drama. For families with children who have additional needs, the school lists a broad range of SEND provisions, including support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication difficulties, visual impairment, physical disability, and autistic spectrum disorder. The nearest Outstanding-rated primary is Malvin’s Close Academy, 1.9 km away. New Delaval suits families who want a genuinely inclusive, well-regarded local school with strong pastoral and SEND support, and who are comfortable with a results profile that is solid but not exceptional compared with the county average.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About New Delaval Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents