Barley Mow Primary School
Pembroke Avenue, Barley Mow, Birtley, Chester le Street, DH3 2DJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Barley Mow Primary School is a primary school in Chester le Street for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 92 schools in Gateshead. It ranks 16th of 16 primary schools in Chester le Street. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 19 November 2014, report published 11 December 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 6 February 2024
Barley Mow Primary School is warm and welcoming. There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Adults know pupils well and care for them. The majority of pupils feel safe in school. They know that staff would help them with any worries or concerns. Pupils behave well in school. They have been taught to be respectful of everyone. They know that everybody can feel hurt by unkind comments or behaviour. In classrooms pupils learn without distraction. They enthusiastically engage in their learning. Pupils enjoy algebra, using sources in history and reading. This is a testament to staff who ensure that lessons are interesting and challenging. The school has ensured that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are included fully in the life of the school. Leaders have high expectations of all pupils and ensure that pupils with SEND access the same curriculum as their peers. Staff, including teaching assistants, provide appropriate support and understand the needs of pupils with SEND well. The school has 'Our School Pledge', this is an initiative to ensure that pupils have enjoyable experiences. These enhance the curriculum and pupils' wider experiences. Pupils eagerly recall these, such as the popular residential educational visit and performing on stage. Pupils are proud to hold leadership roles including school councillors, librarians and mini-police.
What the school should improve
- The curriculum for writing is not as well established as other curriculum areas. This has contributed to outcomes in writing not being as high as they are in reading, mathematics and science. Some pupils do not achieve as well in writing as expected. Leaders should make sure that the planned curriculum for writing is implemented as intended and that this continues to be reviewed to ensure that all pupils achieve their potential in writing.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
30 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
155 pupils on roll, with places for 262
Schools near Barley Mow Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portobello Primary School | 0.2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| St Joseph's Catholic Junior School, Birtley | 0.7 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 76% met the expected standard |
| Rickleton Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 89% met the expected standard |
| Ravensworth Terrace Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
| St Joseph's Catholic Infant School, Birtley | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Louise Cuthbertson
- Phone
- 01914102758
- Address
- Pembroke Avenue, Barley Mow, Birtley, Chester le Street, DH3 2DJ
- Local authority
- Gateshead
- URN
- 108373
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.