Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Front Street, Esh, Durham, DH7 9QROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School is a primary school in Durham for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 29th of 42 primary schools in Durham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in July 2022.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 12 July 2022, report published 27 September 2022

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 30 June 2026

Pupils enjoy a warm, caring and purposeful environment in school where they feel safe, valued and ready to learn. A strong Christian ethos underpins daily life and gives the school a clear sense of identity and belonging. The values of compassion, respect and perseverance are woven through everything the school does and are clearly understood and lived out by pupils and staff. As a result, pupils develop strong character, show kindness to others and are encouraged to keep going when learning becomes challenging. Pupils benefit from highly positive relationships with staff. They know they are listened to and that there are trusted adults they can turn to if they have any worries. This strong pastoral support ensures that pupils feel secure and well cared for. Staff know pupils well and respond quickly to their needs, helping them to thrive both academically and personally. Behaviour around the school is calm and orderly. Pupils are respectful towards one another and understand the importance of treating others with kindness. Bullying is rare, and if it does occur it is dealt with promptly and effectively, helping pupils to understand the impact of their actions and to move forward positively. Pupils achieve in line with national outcomes because teaching is effective and expectations are clear. Pupils are encouraged to persevere with their learning, take pride in their work and develop confidence over time. Those who need extra help are supported well so that they can keep up and succeed alongside their peers. Beyond the classroom, pupils enjoy a rich range of experiences that enhance their personal development. Residential trips are a much-valued part of school life and help pupils to build independence, teamwork and lasting memories. Pupils also take part in a variety of clubs, including sports and board games, where they develop friendships, confidence and new interests.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders should strategically monitor the impact of interventions to ensure that they are having the desired impact on pupils' outcomes.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

15 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths60%

60%, 2 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths7%

7%, 1 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score104

104, 2 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score104

104, 1 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

98 pupils on roll, with places for 105

Eligible for free school meals14.3%

14.3%, 12.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language3.1%

3.1%, 18.5 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support16.3%

16.3%, 1.5 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2%

2%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village0.1 milesOfsted: Good81% met the expected standard
Langley Park Primary School1 mileOfsted: Requires improvement50% met the expected standard
Esh Winning Academy2 milesOfsted: Good57% met the expected standard
Silver Tree Primary School and Nursery2 milesOfsted: Good52% met the expected standard
Our Lady & St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Ushaw Moor2 milesOfsted: Requires improvement60% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
MELROSE LEARNING TRUST
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Church of England
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr Andrew Park
Address
Front Street, Esh, Durham, DH7 9QR
Local authority
County Durham
URN
148303

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.