Thornhill Primary School
Thornhill Gardens, Shildon, DL4 1ESOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Thornhill Primary School is a primary school in Shildon for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 4th of 184 primary schools in County Durham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in February 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 2 February 2023, report published 20 March 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 2 February 2023
In the school motto, 'A promise for the future', leaders set out their ambitious aim for pupils to leave Thornhill ready for the next chapter of their life. Leaders have very high expectations for all pupils both academically and socially, no matter what their background. Pupils blossom in this inspirational school. Pupils enjoy learning and make excellent progress. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. From the early years, pupils learn a strong moral code and take responsibility for their actions. Pupils are kind and considerate to one another. They feel safe and happy in school. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that adults listen to their concerns and will help them. Pupils also learn how to resolve any minor concerns themselves. Pupils love the forest school, the wide range of after-school clubs and the educational visits. Many pupils have leadership roles, and run active campaigns which benefit all. Recently, they helped in creating the 'Thornhill Terrace', a new garden area in school. The early years environment is a vibrant and dynamic place to be. Staff actively encourage children to communicate and share with each other. Children eagerly learn a nursery rhyme a week, and take delight in acting these out.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
30 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
205 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near Thornhill Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy Hackworth Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 52% met the expected standard |
| St John's Church of England Aided Primary School, Shildon | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | 67% met the expected standard |
| Prince Bishops Community Primary School | 0.9 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| St Andrew's Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 46% met the expected standard |
| Cockton Hill Infant School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Community school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Miss S Overfield
- Phone
- 01388772906
- Address
- Thornhill Gardens, Shildon, DL4 1ES
- Local authority
- County Durham
- URN
- 114106
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.