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catchment.school

West Rainton Primary School Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

West Rainton Primary School is a community primary school in Houghton le Spring, County Durham , serving pupils aged 2-11, with 143 pupils, and a capacity of 168 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby primary schools below.

2-11

Age range

143

Pupils

168

Capacity

85%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2017

West Rainton Primary School Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for West Rainton Primary School?

The catchment area for West Rainton Primary School is the geographic zone County Durham uses to prioritise admissions when this primary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. County Durham publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

The catchment area for West Rainton Primary School is set by County Durham and reviewed annually. Children living within the catchment boundary receive priority consideration when applications exceed the number of available places.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by County Durham before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find County Durham catchment area documents →

West Rainton Primary School: 168 places, 85% filled: places available

West Rainton Primary School has a published admission number of 168 places. 143 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 85%. At 85% full, the school currently has headroom below its 168 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

The fill-rate figure above reflects overall demand, but the school's intake also varies by community profile. 53.8% of pupils at West Rainton Primary School are eligible for free school meals, above the national average of around 24%. This reflects the school's role in a higher-deprivation area of Houghton le Spring.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

County Durham publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. County Durham Council school admissions (official) →

West Rainton Primary School: School Information

Full address
West Rainton, Houghton le Spring, DH4 6RN
Local authority
County Durham
School type
Community school
Phase of education
Primary
Age range
2-11 years
Free school meals
53.8% of pupils
DfE URN
114128

Other Primary Schools in Houghton le Spring

If West Rainton Primary School is oversubscribed, these primary schools in Houghton le Spring are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest primary schools by distance

These are the primary schools closest to West Rainton Primary School by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: West Rainton Primary School

What is the catchment area for West Rainton Primary School?

The catchment area for West Rainton Primary School is the geographic zone County Durham uses to prioritise admissions when this primary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. County Durham publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is West Rainton Primary School oversubscribed?

West Rainton Primary School has a capacity of 168 places and currently has 143 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with County Durham.

What is the admissions policy for West Rainton Primary School?

Admission to West Rainton Primary School is managed by County Durham. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does West Rainton Primary School cover?

West Rainton Primary School is a primary school in Houghton le Spring, County Durham, serving pupils aged 2-11. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for West Rainton Primary School?

West Rainton Primary School was rated Good by Ofsted in 2017. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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