Cockton Hill Infant School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 2 to 7
Ofsted: Good

McIntyre Terrace, Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6HWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Cockton Hill Infant School is a primary school in Bishop Auckland for ages 2 to 7. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2016.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 10 May 2016, report published 10 June 2016

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 December 2024

Pupils are proud to attend Cockton Hill Infant School. They are full of enthusiasm when discussing the opportunities that the school provides for them. Due to the supportive environment, pupils are cheerful and confident. They are encouraged to be respectful and to learn from their experiences. Pupils are also polite and kind. They look out for one another. Pupils value the care they receive from their teachers. Pupils, parents and carers appreciate the strong sense of community in the school. Pupils achieve well over time. Staff quickly find out what pupils can and cannot do. For pupils who need extra help, the school puts expert support in place. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) enjoy tailored support. Children in the early years overcome any barriers to learning. There is a successful focus on communication. This helps the youngest children get off to a positive start. Pupils learn vital skills for life. Children in the early years begin to take on different responsibilities. They grow pumpkins in forest school and tend chicks in springtime. Older pupils experience a range of exciting clubs and trips. For example, they love to share their local history following a visit to a nearby castle. On this and other trips, they gain confidence and social skills beyond the classroom.

What the school should improve

  • In some lessons, tasks do not help pupils focus on the important knowledge they should learn and remember. This slows their progress through the curriculum and hinders some achieving as well as their peers. The school should ensure that learning supports the aims of the curriculum well and is adapted where necessary to help all pupils, including those with SEND, reach the same ambitious goals over time.
  • Some pupils do not attend school as often as they should. These pupils miss out on the learning and experiences that the school provides. The school should further develop its understanding of barriers to good attendance, working with parents, pupils and external agencies where needed.

Pupil numbers and mix

146 pupils on roll, with places for 180

Eligible for free school meals50%

50%, 23.5 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language11%

11%, 10.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support22.6%

22.6%, 7.8 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.1%

2.1%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Cockton Hill Infant School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Cockton Hill Junior School0.1 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standard54% met the expected standard
St Andrew's Academy0.3 milesOfsted: Good46% met the expected standard
St Anne's CofE Primary School0.5 milesOfsted: Good73% met the expected standard
Etherley Lane Primary School0.6 milesOfsted: Good65% met the expected standard
St Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, Bishop Auckland0.6 milesOfsted: Good40% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
2 to 7
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Thomas Cuthbertson
Address
McIntyre Terrace, Cockton Hill, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6HW
Local authority
County Durham
URN
114111

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.