Heathfield Primary School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

The Broadway, Darlington, DL1 1EJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Heathfield Primary School is a primary school in Darlington for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 47 schools in Darlington. It ranks 16th of 29 primary schools in Darlington. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 10 December 2019, report published 19 January 2020

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 18 February 2025

Pupils thrive at Heathfield Primary School. Staff have high expectations of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Pupils rise to these expectations and try hard with their learning and behaviour. They achieve well. Pupils demonstrate pride when talking about their school and the wide range of activities they participate in. The early years setting is a vibrant, language-rich environment. Children in the early years show interest and enthusiasm in their learning. They make a strong start to their education. Pupils are polite and respectful. Behaviour is calm and orderly. Pupils enjoy positive and trusted relationships with staff. This helps them to feel safe and happy. Pupils know that any concerns they have will be taken seriously and that they are well looked after. Pupils talk enthusiastically about their many leadership roles, such as play leaders and school gardeners, and the contribution they make to the life of the school. The school provides many opportunities for pupils to develop new talents and interests such as choir, basketball club and sewing club. Pupils are good ambassadors for the school. They are clear that they are all equal and that it is okay to be different at this school.

What the school should improve

  • The school has not ensured that the curriculum sets out the important writing skills that pupils need from the early years. As a result, pupils do not secure the fundamental skills that they need to write with increasing fluency and accuracy. The school should ensure that the curriculum for writing clearly identifies how pupils will build their writing skills effectively over time.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

50 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths68%

68%, 6 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths10%

10%, 2 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score104

104, 2 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

439 pupils on roll, with places for 472

Eligible for free school meals30.1%

30.1%, 3.6 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language11.2%

11.2%, 10.4 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.9%

10.9%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.1%

4.1%, 1.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Heathfield Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Teresa's Catholic Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good85% met the expected standard
Red Hall Primary School0.7 milesOfsted judgements: Good25% met the expected standard
St John's Church of England Academy0.7 milesOfsted: Outstanding70% met the expected standard
The Rydal Academy0.8 milesOfsted: Good46% met the expected standard
Firthmoor Primary School0.8 milesReport card: Expected standard62% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
LINGFIELD EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Peter Kirby-Bowstead
Address
The Broadway, Darlington, DL1 1EJ
Local authority
Darlington
URN
138179

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.