West Park Academy

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

Alderman Leach Drive, Darlington, DL2 2GFOpen in maps

West Park Academy is a primary school in Darlington for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 47 schools in Darlington. It ranks 12th of 29 primary schools in Darlington. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2015.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 25 March 2015, report published 23 April 2015

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good

Read the full Ofsted report

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 March 2024

Pupils are happy at this vibrant school. They enthusiastically engage in a curriculum designed to help them understand who they are, where they come from and who they aspire to be. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils. Pupils achieve well across the curriculum, particularly in reading and phonics. They behave well in lessons and during social times. Pupils say that bullying rarely happens, and, if it does, they are confident that leaders will deal with it swiftly and effectively. Adults know the pupils extremely well. If pupils have any worries, they let teachers know at a daily 'emotional check in'. Staff respond quickly to these worries and put support in place for pupils if needed. Pupils feel safe at school. Pupils take part in a range of visits, for example to an Anglo-Saxon farm and village. They talk with excitement about how this helped their learning in history. Parents and carers are overwhelmingly positive in their view of the school. Many praised the support given to pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

What the school should improve

  • Assessment is not yet well embedded across some foundation subjects. As a result, staff do not consistently identify gaps in pupils' knowledge. The school should ensure that all foundation subjects have a systematic approach to assessment.

Read the full Ofsted report

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

60 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths67%

67%, 5 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths18%

18%, 10 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score107

107, 2 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

464 pupils on roll, with places for 420

Eligible for free school meals12.5%

12.5%, 14 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language2.6%

2.6%, 19 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.9%

14.9%, 0.1 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.3%

4.3%, 1.7 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near West Park Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Mount Pleasant Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good76% met the expected standard
Holy Family Catholic Primary School0.8 milesOfsted: Good77% met the expected standard
St Mary's Cockerton Church of England Primary School0.8 milesOfsted: Good37% met the expected standard
Mowden Junior School1 mileReport card: Expected standard to strong standard77% met the expected standard
Mowden Infant School1 mileOfsted: GoodNot published

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
LINGFIELD EDUCATION TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Sam Hirst
Phone
01325380792
Website
westparkacademy.org.uk
Address
Alderman Leach Drive, Darlington, DL2 2GF
Local authority
Darlington
URN
137042

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.