The short version
Below-average SATs results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2022).
- SATs results are below the national average, with 46% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2022
- The school is at capacity (99% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
46%
-16.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
4%
-4.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
103
-3.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
101
-4.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
103
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
6% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 54 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 2–11
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 621
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 49.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Darlington
- Trust
- NORTHERN ARCH LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mr John Armitage (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
4 official reports linked on this page, including 3 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Rydal Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4BH
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmSt Teresa's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 856m away
St Aidan's Church of England Academy
Secondary · 961m away
Borough Road Nursery School
Nursery · 985m away
Skerne Park Academy
Primary · 1.0km away
Firthmoor Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Heathfield Primary School
Primary · 1.2km away
Polam Hall School
All-through · 1.4km away
St Augustine's Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Questions parents ask
Is The Rydal Academy a selective school?
No. The Rydal Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Rydal Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Rydal Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in December 2022. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Rydal Academy?
The Rydal Academy currently has 621 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Rydal Academy take?
The Rydal Academy caters for pupils aged 2 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is The Rydal Academy?
The Rydal Academy is in Darlington, DL1 4BH, in the Darlington local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Rydal Academy have a sixth form?
No, The Rydal Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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