The Independent Grammar School:Durham
Acton Road, Esh Winning, DH7 9QFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Independent Grammar School:Durham is an all-through school in Esh Winning for ages 4 to 16. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 November 2023, report published 23 January 2024
- 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 28 November 2023
This is a small and welcoming school. Pupils enjoy learning in a calm environment. The school is inclusive and nurturing. Pupils appreciate that they can make good friends here. They feel safe. They develop positive and good-natured relationships with staff and each other. If worried, pupils know there are adults they can talk to in school. Pupils behave well. They are polite and respectful. Bullying is not tolerated. There are few incidents of poor behaviour. Most pupils think that staff sort out any incidents of poor behaviour fairly. Pupils enjoy earning house points in reward for their good behaviour and achievements. The school has an ambitious curriculum in place. Staff have high expectations for what pupils can achieve. Pupils learn in small classes. They have extra adult support when needed. Staff make sure that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), can access the curriculum. Pupils enjoy a range of enrichment activities and clubs. The school's 'CREATE' values are threaded through the curriculum. These include learning respect for others and enjoyment through learning. Pupils learn how these values will equip them for life in the wider world. They are proud of their fundraising activities. They enjoy residential experiences. Older pupils like attending York University to take part in practical science lessons.
What the school should improve
- The school's methods to check the implementation of the curriculum are not as effective as they should be. Leaders are not sure what pupils can remember of the curriculum over time or whether the curriculum content is having a long-term impact on pupils' learning. The school should ensure that leaders develop effective strategies to check the effectiveness of the curriculum and to make sure that pupils know more and can remember more over time.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
16 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
132 pupils on roll, with places for 150
Schools near The Independent Grammar School:Durham
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham Academy | 3 miles | Report card: Needs attention to strong standard | Attainment 8: 37.4 |
| Durham Johnston Comprehensive School | 4 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | Attainment 8: 55.2 |
| Parkside Academy | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 46.9 |
| St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester | 4 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Attainment 8: 44.9 |
| St Leonard's Catholic School, Durham | 5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 57.7 |
School details
- School type
- Other independent school
- Sector
- Independent
- Age range
- 4 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Chris Gray
- Phone
- 01913230056
- Address
- Acton Road, Esh Winning, DH7 9QF
- Local authority
- County Durham
- URN
- 144804
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.