Picking a good school for your child to go to is one of the most vital decisions you can make on their way through the educational pathway.
While location and ease of getting to school can be big factors, parents also look at Ofsted ratings as the most important indicator to see if a school is performing well.
We have pulled together some of the North East schools that have performed the best in their recent inspections.
Kirk Merrington Primary School, Spennymoor
Kirk Merrington Primary School, Spennymoor, was graded “outstanding” in all areas following a two-day inspection in March this year.
In their report, Ofsted inspectors describe the school as “a beacon of excellence” with “extremely high ambition for all of its pupils”.
Pupils make “exceptional progress” and “excel academically while exhibiting kindness, courage, perseverance and great teamwork,” their report adds.
There’s praise for the school’s provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities who, the reports say, are “supported superbly” by “well-trained” staff.
Cambrai Primary School, Catterick
Staff at Cambrai Primary School, in Catterick, were overjoyed to learn the school had been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development leadership and management, early years provision, and overall effectiveness.
The school – part of Lingfield Education Trust – was established in 2019, with just 22 children in a portable building with Assistant Head Teacher Stephanie Guest, and now has more than 150 in modern facilities. Stephanie has been with the school ever since.
Primary Academy, Billingham
Inspectors gave Oakdene Primary Academy, in Billingham, the highest possible ranking after the school received its second outstanding inspection in all areas after inspectors visited on January 30 and 31 this year.
The report said: “Pupils flourish and thrive at Oakdene Primary Academy. Pupils are inquisitive and demonstrate a love of learning. Pupils make impressive progress during their time in school and achieve high standards.
“Staff feel incredibly well supported and valued. This is a school where both pupils and staff are nurtured with exceptional levels of care.”
Ormesby Primary School
Ormesby Primary School, in Middlesbrough, was rated inadequate at its previous Ofsted inspection in 2022 but has now been assessed as ‘good’ across the board.
The positive rating covers overall effectiveness, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision.
The latest Ofsted report says behaviour at the school – part of Ironstone Academy Trust – has been “transformed”, with pupils responding well to the high expectations set by staff.
Most read:
- Northumberland coastal village is among Britain's greatest
- Women in 70s were injured by fleeing Peterlee shoplifter
- Where does the North of England start? Our readers decide
Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here.
Bowesfield Primary School
Bowesfield Primary School, Stockton, received the impressive rating following the inspection - which now sees it become the only school in central Stockton, Yarm, Eaglescliffe and Ingleby Barwick with a grade of outstanding for its nursery and reception classes.
The school team are “delighted to have had their hard work and commitment recognised, as the school secures a good, with outstanding grade”.
Senior leaders are keen to ensure that “Bowesfield Primary School is an oasis of learning, right in the heart of Stockton”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here