Escomb Primary School
Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SR · County Durham · primary school
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166th of 188 primary schools in County Durham we can score, 208 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,277 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 3.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Escomb Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. An inspection in March 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2 out of 10 among them, against 3.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club, an after-school club, and a Tea time Club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 160 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities take place during the Tea time Club? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Escomb Primary School
Overview
Escomb Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "safe and happy" and benefit from a "calm, welcoming and purposeful learning environment." The report states that pupils "progress well across the curriculum" and are "well prepared for their next steps," becoming "confident learners and communicators." Leaders have an "accurate understanding" of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, with governors providing "suitable challenge and support."
Strengths
- Pupils "behave well" with "low-level disruption" being rare, and bullying is "rare and dealt with effectively."
- The curriculum is "generally well sequenced," allowing pupils to "secure the important knowledge" in core subjects and build on learning over time.
- Staff provide "effective support" for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs, ensuring they "learn alongside their peers."
- Pupils enjoy a "broad and balanced curriculum" with access to diverse clubs, activities, and community engagement opportunities.
- Leaders have "improved the curriculum and teaching of mathematics" and "strengthened the provision for reading."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the provision for developing pupils' writing skills, including handwriting and spelling, is "highly effective and embedded across all subjects and phases."
- Leaders should ensure teaching in foundation subjects "effectively secures pupils knowledge before moving on to new content."
- Leaders should support pupils to "achieve at the highest levels" at the end of key stage 2, increasing the number reaching the higher standard.
Safeguarding
The report confirms that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and that "pupils are made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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