Wylam First School

About Wylam First School

Wylam First School’s most recent Ofsted inspection in 2023 rated it Good overall, but the breakdown tells a more nuanced story. While the school’s overall effectiveness sits at Good, three of its five graded categories — early years provision, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes — were rated Outstanding. That’s a stronger showing than many primaries in Northumberland, where only nine out of 127 schools currently hold an Outstanding overall rating. The school’s leadership and management, along with quality of education, were both rated Good. Compared with its previous inspection in 2008, when it was judged Outstanding across the board, the overall rating has slipped one grade. Still, the Outstanding early years provision is a notable strength for a school that takes children from age three, and the strong behaviour and personal development scores suggest a calm, well-ordered environment.

Academic outcomes data for Wylam First School is limited in the available information, but the local context provides a useful benchmark. The average Key Stage 2 score for primary schools in Northumberland is 56, though Wylam’s own KS2 results are not listed here. The school’s small size — 142 pupils against a capacity of 150 — and its low proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals (2.9%) may point to a relatively advantaged intake, which often correlates with stronger academic performance. The school does not have a sixth form, as it serves children up to age nine, so there are no A-Level or Progress 8 figures to compare. Parents looking for a clear academic picture would need to check the school’s published SATs results directly, but the Ofsted inspection noted that the quality of education is Good, which suggests pupils are making at least expected progress.

Wylam First School is oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, with 40 applications for 26 places — a ratio of 1.54 applicants per place. All 26 first-preference applicants were offered a spot, meaning local families who put it first have a strong chance of getting in. The school offers a nursery provision, so children can start at age three, and its facilities include a sensory room, ICT suite, library, gymnasium, and art studios. Sports provision covers swimming, rounders, cricket, football, and tennis, while clubs include book club, eco club, gardening, drama, and choir. The school’s SEND provisions support social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication, and autistic spectrum disorder. This is a small, well-regarded village school that suits families who value strong early years care, good behaviour, and a broad range of activities within a close-knit setting.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Wylam First School

Helpful Guides for Parents