Ofsted has revealed the nine best Darlington schools that all have 'Outstanding' and 'Good' ratings from the education agency. 

The nine schools are all considered 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. 

All nine of the schools were handed their 'Outstanding' rating within the last two years, and have been adjudged to have wowed inspectors who visited each school. 

The most recent school to get an 'Outstanding' rating is Kirk Merrington School - with inspectors going around it on April 25 this year.

What is the Ofsted grading?

There is a 4-point grading scale used for inspection judgements:

  • grade 1: outstanding
  • grade 2: good
  • grade 3: requires improvement
  • grade 4: inadequate

What does a school have to do to be Outstanding?

To reach an “outstanding” standard, schools have to receive an “outstanding” grade for all the criteria, “meeting each and every good criterion”, securely and consistently, amongst others. Ofsted’s aim is to only name a school outstanding in a given area if they are truly performing exceptionally well and across the school.

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  • All other key judgements are likely to be outstanding.
  • In exceptional circumstances, one of the key judgements may be good, as long as there is convincing evidence that the school is improving this area sustainably and securely towards outstanding.
  • Typically this will mean meeting each and every one of the good criteria but falling short on the outstanding for that key judgement.
  • Safeguarding is effective.

The nine best 'Outstanding' and 'Good' Darlington schools:

  • Oakwood Learning Centre, New Biggin Lane, Heighington, Darlington, DL2 2UH, Rating: Outstanding, Latest report: 14 September 2023
  • St John's Church of England Academy, Fenby Avenue, Lascelles Park, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4UB, Rating: Outstanding, Latest report: 18 November 2022
  • Abbey Infants' School, Cleveland Terrace, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 8JA, Rating: Good, Latest report: 19 January 2023
  • Abbey Junior School, Abbey Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 8NN, Rating: Good, Latest report: 14 September 2023
  • Bishopton Redmarshall CofE Primary School, Cobby Castle Lane, Bishopton, TS21 1HD, Rating: Good, Latest report: 01 May 2024
  • Corporation Road Community Primary School, Corporation Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 6AR, Rating: Good, Latest report: 10 October 2023
  • Embleton View, Westgate House, Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 8TF, Rating: Good, Latest report: 22 May 2023
  • Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Prior Street, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 9EN, Rating: Good, Latest report: 28 November 2023
  • Hurworth Primary School, Westfield Drive, Hurworth, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 2ET, Rating: Good, Latest report: 13 December 2023