Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School
Durham, DH7 9QR · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
97th 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 4,143 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6/10 among them, against 4.4/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.57 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.6 out of 10 among them, against 4.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Messy Church and the School Council.
Getting in
The published school roll is 98 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 bridge the gap between the current 60.0% attainment and the national median of 64%? What specific steps are being taken to improve the 3.6 out of 10 score in the similar-intake comparison? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Esh CofE (Aided) Primary School
Overview
Esh C of E (Aided) Primary School is described as a “caring village school” where the belief that “everyone is valued” is central to its ethos. The report highlights “impeccable” pupil behaviour, with students being “polite, courteous and respectful” and acting as “excellent role models.” Overall effectiveness is judged as Good, with Behaviour and attitudes rated Outstanding.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “impeccable” behaviour, listen attentively, and feel safe, with no bullying reported.
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced, allowing pupils to “recap important knowledge” and adapt well for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Reading is given high priority; “early reading is taught well,” and most pupils achieve fluency by the end of key stage 1.
- Personal development is “well planned,” fostering an understanding of British values, equality, and mutual respect.
- Leadership is strong and supportive, with staff noting that leaders are “considerate of their workload and well-being.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must fully map out how the early years curriculum prepares children for “wider subjects” in key stage 1, as this is not always clear in current planning.
- Some subject leaders lack a clear understanding of how their subjects are introduced in the early years.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training and being “quick to identify and report any signs that may suggest a pupil is at risk of harm.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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