Newker Primary School
73%
Capacity
378
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Newker Primary School
Newker Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 378 pupils on roll, operating at 73% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Newker Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Melanie Kirkland, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 70% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 4154th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 55th out of 170 in County Durham.
Newker Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 74 applications for 31 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 30 were first-preference applications.
Newker Primary School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 83% recommending the school (63 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 2 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Newker Primary School include Art Studios, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Sensory Room, ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Outdoor Playground, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Tennis, Football, Netball, as well as clubs including Chess, Film Club, Choir, Coding and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.5%, which is above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in County Durham, Newker 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 | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Waldridge Road, Chester le Street, County Durham, DH2 3AA |
| Headteacher | Melanie Kirkland |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 378 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.5% |
| School Capacity | 378 / 520 (73% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 May 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (70%)
4154th of 13,686
Nationally
223rd of 677
In North East
55th of 170
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
70%
Expected Standard
4%
Higher Standard
'22/23
59%
'23/24
70%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
63 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed31
74
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
30 families put this school as their 1st choice (41% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newker 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
Waldridge Road, Chester le Street
County Durham, DH2 3AA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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