St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School
Scholars Path, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7HBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School is a primary school in Newton Aycliffe for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 9th of 9 primary schools in Newton Aycliffe. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 15 April 2015, report published 7 May 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 12 June 2024
This is a nurturing and aspirational school. Pupils benefit from the caring atmosphere it provides. Pupils and families feel valued and cared for. The carefully curated spaces, such as the 'Hobbit hole' and 'Nurture room', bring a homely feel to the school. This helps to create an inclusive environment where pupils feel at ease. The school is ambitious for all pupils. The school motto, 'Let your light shine bright', is lived out by pupils and staff. The newly introduced curriculum helps pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to achieve well. Pupils are encouraged to believe that they can achieve anything they want to. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour. There is a positive learning atmosphere. Pupils enjoy lessons and contribute well. Staff manage occasional instances of bullying carefully. Pupils are safe and happy at St Francis. The school has carefully chosen ways to broaden pupils' experience. Pupils benefit from a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and wider opportunities. For example, they enjoy taking part in cooking and sporting clubs.
What the school should improve
- Some pupils who need help to become fluent and confident readers do not receive this regularly enough. As a result, some pupils do not become proficient readers as quickly as they could. The school should ensure that gaps in pupils' reading knowledge are addressed quickly and effectively.
- The current transition mechanisms for understanding pupils' SEND are not effective enough. There is a delay in ensuring that new pupils with SEND receive the support they should. The school should review the transition arrangements for pupils joining the school to ensure that they receive timely and effective support.
- Too many pupils do not attend school regularly enough or are late for school too often. These pupils do not make the progress they are capable of because they miss important learning. The school should strengthen the processes to improve pupils' attendance and punctuality.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
24 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
147 pupils on roll, with places for 236
Schools near St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Byerley Park Primary School | 0.2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 73% met the expected standard |
| St Joseph's Catholic Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 84% met the expected standard |
| Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 29% met the expected standard |
| Woodham Burn Community Primary School and Nursery | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 58% met the expected standard |
| Sugar Hill Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 52% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary aided school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Lisa Lakey
- Phone
- 01325300236
- Address
- Scholars Path, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7HB
- Local authority
- County Durham
- URN
- 114267
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.