Best Primary Schools in County Durham 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 208 schools across County Durham. Updated with 2025–26 data.

208

Total schools

Outstanding

15%

Outstanding rate

62.1%

Avg KS2 SATs

39.1

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Thornhill Primary School Primary	Outstanding	85	View school
🥈	Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy Primary	Outstanding	84	View school
🥉	Coxhoe Primary School Primary	Outstanding	83	View school
4.	Ingleton CofE Primary School Primary	Good	83	View school
5.	Cockfield Primary School Primary	Outstanding	83	View school
6.	St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village Primary	Outstanding	82	View school
7.	Kirk Merrington Primary School Primary	Outstanding	81	View school
8.	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Gilesgate Primary	Good	81	View school
9.	Red Rose Primary School Primary	Outstanding	79	View school
10.	St Michael's Church of England Primary School Primary	Outstanding	79	View school
11.	Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School Primary	Outstanding	79	View school
12.	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blackhall Primary	Good	79	View school
13.	St Margaret's Church of England Primary School Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
14.	New Seaham Academy Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
15.	Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
16.	Framwellgate Moor Primary School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
17.	West Cornforth Primary School Primary	Outstanding	76	View school
18.	St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Sacriston Primary	Good	76	View school
19.	Evenwood Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	76	View school
20.	Toft Hill Primary School Primary	Outstanding	76	View school

See full data for any school in County Durham

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in County Durham?

There are 208 primary schools in County Durham, of which 32 (15%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in County Durham?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in County Durham is Thornhill Primary School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in County Durham?

Primary and secondary school applications in County Durham are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the County Durham council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in County Durham?

15% of primary schools in County Durham are rated Outstanding and 72% are rated Good. 80.8% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.