Skerne Park Academy
63%
Capacity
266
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Skerne Park Academy
Skerne Park Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Darlington community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 266 pupils on roll, operating at 63% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Skerne Park Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Clair Gooding, it falls under Darlington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 15% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 13608th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 26th out of 26 in Darlington.
Skerne Park Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 46 applications for 31 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 30 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 5 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, 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 Skerne Park Academy include ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Gymnastics, Dance, Cricket, as well as clubs including Eco Club, Chess, Choir, Drama and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 59.1%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Darlington, Skerne Park 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 | Coleridge Gardens, Darlington, Darlington, DL1 5AJ |
| Headteacher | Clair Gooding |
| Local Authority | Darlington |
| Number of Pupils | 266 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 59.1% |
| School Capacity | 266 / 420 (63% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
18 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (15%)
13608th of 13,686
Nationally
676th of 677
In North East
26th of 26
In Darlington
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
15%
Expected Standard
0%
Higher Standard
'22/23
44%
'23/24
15%
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
10Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed31
46
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
30 families put this school as their 1st choice (65% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skerne Park 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
Coleridge Gardens, Darlington
Darlington, DL1 5AJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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