Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School
Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7DDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery 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 7th of 9 primary schools in Newton Aycliffe. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2022.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 18 October 2022, report published 8 December 2022
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 18 October 2022
Parents and carers are overwhelmingly supportive of the school, appreciating the hard work of staff. One parent commented, 'Staff have been fabulous. I would highly recommend this school to friends.' Staff have high expectations of pupils. Pupils live up to these expectations and behave well. Pupils have positive attitudes towards their work and towards each other. They appreciate how teachers help them to reflect on their behaviour and give them 'a way out' when they make poor choices. Relationships between staff and pupils are based on mutual respect. Pupils are kind and work alongside their peers in a supportive and thoughtful way. Pupils enjoy making a positive contribution to the life of the school as digital monitors, swan saviours and playground buddies. Pupils are polite and friendly. Pupils feel safe because they know adults are there to help if they have a worry. Pupils say that bullying is rare. If bullying happens, pupils know they can tell an adult and it will stop. Pupils have a very clear understanding of difference and equality. Through the curriculum, pupils learn about a range of other faiths and cultures. They understand the importance of tolerance.
What the school should improve
- In some subjects, such as history and science, the curriculum is not fully developed. The important knowledge that pupils need to learn is not clear. This prevents teachers from making sure the learning that they provide includes everything that pupils need to know. Leaders should ensure that the curriculum for each subject clearly identifies the important knowledge that all pupils, including those with SEND, need from the early years through to Year 6.
- Approaches to assessment are inconsistent. In some subjects, where curriculum thinking is less clear, teachers do not check effectively how successfully pupils acquire and use knowledge. Leaders should ensure that assessments are aligned closely to curriculum planning and help teachers to identify clear next steps for all pupils.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
42 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
285 pupils on roll, with places for 385
Schools near Stephenson Way Academy and Nursery School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Joseph's Catholic Primary School | 0.1 miles | Ofsted: Good | 84% met the expected standard |
| Woodham Burn Community Primary School and Nursery | 0.2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 58% met the expected standard |
| St Francis Horndale CofE Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 25% met the expected standard |
| Sugar Hill Primary School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 52% met the expected standard |
| Byerley Park Primary School | 0.6 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 73% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- TUDHOE LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Kim Bushby
- Phone
- 01325300324
- Address
- Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 7DD
- Local authority
- County Durham
- URN
- 138556
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.