Best Primary Schools in County Durham

Leadgate Primary School - Split Site is a co-ed primary school located in Leadgate, Durham. With a student-teacher ratio of 26:1, the school provides a strong and dynamic learning environment for children aged 3-11. The school has a Good overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted, with particular strengths in leadership, teaching, and personal development. Students enjoy engaging lessons and develop polite and considerate attitudes. The school offers strong support for students with SEN, and safeguarding is a priority. While there are areas for improvement in early years provision, the school's focus on improving outcomes for all pupils is commendable.

St. Francis CE (Aided) Junior School is a Church of England primary school located in Great Aycliffe. With a strong sense of community, the school provides a quality education for children aged 7-11. The school has a good overall effectiveness and a high standard of behaviour and safety. They have a focus on challenging students in mathematics and improving the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. With effective safeguarding arrangements and a commitment to physical education and music, St. Francis CE (Aided) Junior School offers a well-rounded education for its students.

Red Hall Primary School is a highly inclusive and caring primary school located in Darlington. With a strong emphasis on safeguarding, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for children aged 2-11. The school has a good overall grade and outstanding early years provision. They have a culture of high expectations and encourage debate, ensuring that pupils make good progress in English and excel in their personal development. However, there are some areas for improvement in tracking progress in certain subjects and consistency in teaching reading. Overall, Red Hall Primary School offers a quality education with exceptional provision for two-year-olds.

St John the Baptist Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Stockton-on-Tees, North East. With strong Christian values and a commitment to inclusion, the school offers a nurturing environment for students aged 2-11. The leadership team ensures a good quality of education, effective safeguarding measures, and notable progress for disadvantaged pupils. While there have been minor inconsistencies in phonics teaching and below-average attendance, the school overall maintains a good standard of teaching, behaviour, and safety.

Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary is a co-educational primary school located in Horden, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 25:1, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 5-11. Our school has a strong focus on academic achievement, as shown by our good Ofsted rating and above-average exam results. We also prioritize the personal development, behavior, and welfare of our students. As a Roman Catholic school, we offer a faith-based education and promote values such as compassion and respect. We have a dedicated team of teachers and support staff who are committed to helping every child reach their full potential. With our excellent resources and effective leadership, we strive to create a safe and engaging learning environment. We believe in fostering diversity and welcoming children from different backgrounds. We also provide additional support for students with special educational needs. Our Lady Star of the Sea is a school where children can thrive academically, personally, and spiritually.

Norton Primary Academy is a co-ed primary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With strong leadership and effective teaching, the school ensures good progress in reading, writing, and maths. The outstanding behavior of pupils and strong safeguarding culture create a safe and positive learning environment. While improvements are needed in science and geography teaching, the school offers excellent personal development and welfare opportunities for students.

Wheatley Hill Community Primary School is a primary school located in Wheatley Hill, North East. With a strong leadership team committed to providing the best education and experiences for pupils, the school ensures good progress for all students, especially those with special educational needs. Safeguarding is given high priority, and the school has outstanding behavior and safety standards. Although there is room for improvement in reaching higher levels of attainment, the school fosters a happy and well-behaved learning environment.

Woodhouse Community Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Bishop Auckland. With a student teacher ratio of 20:1, the school offers a nurturing and academically enriching environment for students aged 2-11. The school has a good Ofsted rating, demonstrating its effectiveness in leadership, teaching, and student outcomes. With a focus on personal development, behaviour, and welfare, Woodhouse Community Primary School ensures a well-rounded education. The school also provides support for students with special educational needs and offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Montalbo Nursery & Primary School is an outstanding educational institution located in Barnard Castle. With a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, our school provides exceptional education, high expectations, and a well-designed curriculum. Our dedicated staff ensures exemplary behavior and attitudes to learning, while also providing effective support for pupils with special educational needs. With an outstanding Ofsted rating, we prioritize personal development, leadership, and management. Join us for a warm and nurturing environment where your child can thrive.

Rosa Street Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Spennymoor, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, our dedicated staff provide a high standard of education. We prioritize the well-being and development of every student, with a focus on personal growth and academic achievement. Our recent Ofsted report rated us as 'Good' in overall effectiveness, education quality, behavior and attitudes, and leadership and management. We offer nursery classes and have a strong support system for students with special educational needs. Our exam results showcase the success of our students, with 83% achieving GCSE grade 4 or higher. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and diverse learning environment for all students.

Hardwick Green Primary Academy is a vibrant and inclusive primary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With strong leadership and knowledgeable subject leaders, the school provides a consistent teaching approach and a shared vision for curriculum development. Good behaviour, meticulous monitoring of pupil attainment, and a focus on personal development contribute to a positive learning environment. However, attendance rates have room for improvement, and past weaknesses in teaching and curriculum have impacted writing outcomes. Overall, the school strives for excellence and aims to nurture well-rounded students with a strong academic foundation.

Hutton Henry CofE (Controlled) Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school with a good overall effectiveness. The school promotes fundamental British values and has passionate subject leaders with strong subject knowledge. Pupils are curious, confident, and outgoing, making strong progress across subjects. However, some areas for improvement include the need for sharper focus on developing quality of teaching and learning, as well as addressing occasional incidents of poorer behavior. Overall, Hutton Henry CofE Primary School provides a positive learning environment for children aged 4-11, with dedicated teachers and a commitment to personal development and welfare.

Ludworth Primary School is a co-ed school located in Ludworth, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school offers a nurturing environment for students aged 2-11. The school prides itself on maintaining a good quality education, as evidenced by an overall grade of A-. Students demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and have shown improvements in writing and mathematics. While there are areas for improvement, such as reducing absence rates and focusing on disadvantaged pupils' progress, the school's effective safeguarding arrangements ensure a safe environment for all students.

Ribbon School is a well-established primary school located in Murton, North East. With a dedicated and experienced staff, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 3-11. Offering a balanced curriculum and a strong emphasis on personal development, Ribbon School strives to ensure every student reaches their full potential. With outstanding early years provision and good overall effectiveness, parents can trust Ribbon School to provide their children with a high-quality education.

Gurney Pease Academy is a vibrant and inclusive primary school located in Darlington, North East England. With a strong focus on personalized learning, the school provides top-notch resources and dedicated teachers to support students aged 2-11. The school's commitment to diversity and its good overall performance make it an excellent choice for parents seeking a quality education for their children.

Durham Gilesgate Primary School is a co-educational school located in Belmont, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school provides a nurturing environment for children aged 2-11. Led by Mr Mark Turner, the school focuses on strong leadership and effective early years provision, promoting good personal development and welfare. However, there are areas requiring improvement, such as variable teaching quality and below average attainment in reading and mathematics.

Laurel Avenue Community Primary School is a well-led and committed educational institution in The Woodlands, Durham. With strong leadership and governance, the school ensures that pupils receive the best education possible. Pupils make good progress in mathematics and reading, and behave extremely well, demonstrating respect for others. The school's effective safeguarding measures provide a safe learning environment. Individual pupils are well-supported, and the progress of disadvantaged pupils is commendable. The school promotes fundamental British values, fostering tolerance and understanding. While there is room for improvement in attainment and writing skills, Laurel Avenue Community Primary School prioritizes the holistic development of its students and prepares them for a successful future.

Shotton Primary School is a well-respected and nurturing school in North East. Led by Mrs. Heather Shaw, the school provides a safe and supportive environment for children aged 3-11. With a low student-teacher ratio of 20:1, the school focuses on individualized attention. The school excels in academics with a Good Ofsted rating and good achievement of pupils. With a diverse and inclusive community, Shotton Primary School ensures the wellbeing and success of every child.

West Rainton Primary School is a well-rounded educational institution, offering a rich and balanced curriculum that promotes inclusive learning for children aged 2-11. With a focus on clear planning and effective classroom routines, the school ensures every child receives a quality education. With strong safeguarding measures in place, close collaboration with parents and carers, and a positive relationship with the wider community, West Rainton Primary School fosters a supportive environment where every child matters. While the school has demonstrated good overall effectiveness, with effective teaching for disadvantaged and SEN pupils, it continues to work towards improving reading outcomes and providing greater challenge for high-achieving students.

Victoria Lane Academy is a primary school located in Coundon, Durham. With a positive and friendly ethos, the school focuses on developing reading and handwriting skills for students aged 3-11. The school offers nursery classes and has a student-teacher ratio of 23:1. With good overall effectiveness and achievement of pupils, Victoria Lane Academy provides a quality education supported by effective safeguarding measures.