Ellington Primary School Review 2026: High expectations, strong KS2 outcomes, and a village-centred feel

Ellington’s headline outcomes at the end of Key Stage 2 are a clear strength.

In 2024, 82.67% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 26.67% achieved greater depth compared with an England average of 8%. Reading, mathematics and grammar, punctuation and spelling scaled scores were 107, 106 and 110 respectively.

FindMySchool’s primary outcomes ranking places the school 2,451st in England and 1st locally (Morpeth). This reflects performance that is above England average and comfortably within the top 25% of primary schools in England (top quartile), rather than a “good for the area” story.

A useful way to interpret this as a parent is to separate two questions. First, are children reaching the expected standard in the core subjects at higher than typical rates. Here, the answer is yes, and by a meaningful margin. Second, is there stretch for the most able. The higher standard figure suggests many pupils are not just keeping up, but moving beyond the benchmark.

The school’s published priorities point strongly towards reading as the anchor. The website frames reading as the number one priority and sets a specific ambition for fluency by the end of Key Stage 1, with an explicit commitment to additional support where that is not yet secured. For parents, this tends to translate into structured phonics, regular reading practice, and a consistent approach to early literacy across Reception and Key Stage 1.

Beyond early reading, the curriculum narrative (including curriculum intent documents and inspection commentary) indicates careful sequencing, with key knowledge identified clearly and revisited so that pupils remember more over time. Teaching emphasises clear explanation and deliberate practice, so pupils have repeated chances to apply learning rather than racing on to new content before foundations are secure.

Writing is the area where the most explicit improvement focus has been highlighted recently. The published inspection report notes that curriculum development work has been targeted at writing and describes that work as successful. In practical terms, this usually means a stronger link between reading and writing, clearer expectations for sentence structure and vocabulary choices, and more systematic feedback loops as pupils move through Key Stage 2.

As a village primary with pupils up to age 11, the natural next step is secondary transfer at the end of Year 6. The school’s admissions information places secondary applications through Northumberland County Council’s process, and parents should expect to make that application during Year 6, rather than relying on informal progression.

Because Ellington draws pupils from Ellington, Cresswell, and a wider local area, Year 7 destinations can vary year to year depending on family location and preference. A sensible approach is to look at likely secondary options alongside transport time, especially if you are considering the school from outside the immediate village area. If you are shortlisting, the FindMySchool Local Hub and Comparison Tool can help you view nearby secondaries side by side, so your “primary choice” decision also supports the next transition.

Ellington is a state primary school, so there are no tuition fees. Entry is mainly about timing and process, and for many families, the first decision point is nursery.

Nursery entry (age 3+)

Nursery places are available from the term after a child’s third birthday. The school states there are three intakes per year, aligned to the start of autumn, spring, and summer terms. Families can choose 15-hour placements (morning or afternoon) or 30-hour placements, in line with eligibility for funded early education.

A key practical detail, and one some families miss, is that nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place. The school is explicit about this, which is helpful, even if it is not what parents always want to hear.

Reception entry (age 4+)

Reception applications for the 2026 to 2027 academic year are coordinated through Northumberland County Council. The school notes that applications open in November 2025, and Northumberland’s published timetable sets the portal opening date as 1 November 2025, with a closing date of 15 January 2026 and offers released on 16 April 2026.

Demand is competitive. In the latest available Reception admissions data, there were 37 applications for 30 offers, and the school is marked as oversubscribed on that entry route. Put simply, some families will not secure their first preference here, so it is worth building a realistic shortlist early and reviewing alternative nearby schools at the same time.

The pastoral picture is broadly positive and grounded in a combination of clear expectations and practical support. The inspection report describes a school where pupils feel safe, where bullying is not tolerated, and where wellbeing is treated as a priority rather than a slogan. It also references high quality pastoral care and staff willingness to go beyond minimum expectations when pupils need it.

In day to day terms, pupils also have structured routes to contribute and be noticed, through roles such as peer mentors and sports leaders, as well as school council membership. For many children, especially those who thrive when trusted with responsibility, this kind of pupil leadership offer can be a meaningful confidence builder.

Extracurricular provision is a good example of how the school keeps opportunities responsive. The clubs list is termly and changes regularly, shaped by pupil voice through the school council. That approach matters because it tends to increase take up, children are more likely to commit when activities align with what they actually want to do.

Recent examples include Digital Makers (Years 3 to 5), which points to a practical computing and making strand; Mindfulness for Key Stage 2 pupils; and Table Tennis for older year groups. On the more physical side, the timetable also includes Dodgeball or Benchball for Years 5 and 6, Just Dance for Years 1 to 4, and seasonal sports clubs for younger pupils.

Facilities support this wider offer. The school describes a hall, studio, library, playground spaces, a floodlit all-weather multi-use games area, and a large playing field. For families, the implication is simple: there is space to run clubs and events that are not limited to a single small hall, and outdoor sport is less weather dependent than it can be on grass only sites.

The core school day runs with doors opening at 8:40am, registration at 8:45am, and a 3:15pm finish. Nursery sessions are published as 8:45am to 11:45am (morning), 12:15pm to 3:15pm (afternoon), and 8:45am to 3:15pm for full day sessions.

Wraparound care is a clear strength on the practical side. Breakfast club runs from 7:30am to 8:40am (with an alternative 8:00am start option), and after school club runs from 3:15pm to 5:45pm. The school publishes session prices, ranging from £4 to £6 for breakfast club depending on start time, and up to £10 for the longest after school session.

For travel, the school notes that pupils are drawn from the villages of Ellington and Cresswell, and also from a wider local area, with some pupils transported in from further afield. If you are considering a move, it is worth modelling the commute both for the morning run and for clubs, which often extend later than the main finish time.

• Reception is competitive. With 37 applications for 30 offers in the latest available admissions data for Reception, a first preference does not guarantee an offer. A shortlist should include realistic alternatives.

• Nursery does not guarantee Reception. Children can join nursery from age 3+, but the school is explicit that nursery attendance does not secure a Reception place. This matters for families planning a “single setting” journey from nursery to Year 6.

• Wraparound is strong, but paid. Breakfast and after school clubs run from 7:30am and up to 5:45pm, which is a major practical advantage, but families should budget for the published session costs.

• Writing has been an improvement focus. External evaluation highlights successful work to strengthen writing. For many children this is a positive signal; for some, it can mean more structured writing expectations in Key Stage 2.

Ellington Primary School combines a village-centred feel with genuinely strong academic outcomes at Key Stage 2. Reading is treated as a non-negotiable priority, and the wider curriculum looks carefully planned rather than improvised. Wraparound provision is a practical asset, especially for working families.

Who it suits: families who want a community-anchored primary with high expectations, strong end of Key Stage 2 outcomes, and wraparound that can cover a full working day. The biggest constraint is admissions competitiveness at Reception, so planning early and keeping realistic alternatives in view is sensible.