West Park Academy, Darlington

In its own words: "At West Park Academy we aim to inspire a life-long love of learning where children are valued for their individuality and realise their full potential within a positive enriched environment. Curiosity, flexibility of thought and risk taking are at the heart of everything we do."

From the headteacher's welcome: "I am very proud to be Principal of this wonderful school. It is a special place, where pupils, staff, parents and the whole school community work extremely hard together to provide the very best education and care for our children. We would love to show you around."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 70% of Year 6 pupils at West Park Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 85% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 76% in Darlington and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 92% in reading and 92% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 59 families put West Park Academy as their first choice and 127 named it as one of their preferences, for 60 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. 2 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to West Park Academy are Mount Pleasant Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 88% reading, 94% maths); Holy Family Catholic Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 90% reading, 87% maths); St Mary's Cockerton Church of England Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 60% reading, 67% maths); and Mowden Junior School (1.2 miles, Good, 86% reading, 86% maths).

West Park Academy's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

West Park Academy is one of 26 schools run by Lingfield Education Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 70% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

12.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 2.6% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is North Road Rail Station, about 1.5 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is John Fowler Way (i), 160 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 135 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Darlington (281).

In 2024/25, West Park Academy issued 1 suspension, 0.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to West Park Academy are Wyvern Academy (0.7 miles), Longfield Academy (1.3 miles), Carmel College (1.5 miles) and Hummersknott Academy (1.8 miles).