The Rydal Academy
99%
Capacity
621
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About The Rydal Academy
The Rydal Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Darlington community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 621 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 630 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated The Rydal Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher John Armitage, it falls under Darlington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 33% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 13105th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 24th out of 26 in Darlington.
The Rydal Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 109 applications for 56 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 50 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Rydal Academy include Forest School, ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Football, Netball, Gymnastics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Eco Club, Gardening.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 49.6%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Darlington, The Rydal 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 | Rydal Road, Darlington, Darlington, DL1 4BH |
| Headteacher | John Armitage |
| Local Authority | Darlington |
| Number of Pupils | 621 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 49.6% |
| School Capacity | 621 / 630 (99% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Dec 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 31 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (33%)
13105th of 13,686
Nationally
656th of 677
In North East
24th of 26
In Darlington
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
33%
Expected Standard
1%
Higher Standard
'22/23
38%
'23/24
33%
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
2025/26Oversubscribed56
109
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
50 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Rydal 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
Rydal Road, Darlington
Darlington, DL1 4BH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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