St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village
Durham, DH7 9QY · County Durham · primary school
Check the area around this school
24th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 8.3/10 against 4,263 of them, against 8.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.62 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.67 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 10.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access Lego Therapy, Relax Kids, and Zones of Regulation clubs, alongside wheelchair basketball, hoopstarz, and the daily mile. Trips include visits to Hall Hill Farm, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 203 pupils against a stated capacity of 196. 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
Since the last inspection was in 2022, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school integrate the Zones of Regulation framework into daily teaching to support pupil wellbeing?
What Ofsted said about St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village
Overview
The report describes a school where the mission of ‘Finding Christ in Each Other’ is central to daily life, creating an environment where pupils ‘love coming to school’. Leaders maintain ‘high expectations’ for every pupil, delivering a ‘well planned’ curriculum that ensures children build knowledge over time and feel ‘happy, safe and secure’.
Strengths
- The curriculum is ‘ambitious’ and effectively prepares children for future learning, with a strong focus on developing language and vocabulary from the early years.
- Reading is a clear priority; staff use a consistent programme to teach phonics, ensuring pupils become ‘confident readers’ with ‘good comprehension skills’.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are ‘well supported’ by an expert SENCo, allowing them to access the full curriculum while maintaining independence.
- Behaviour is ‘good’, characterised by ‘warm and caring’ relationships between adults and pupils, with students reporting that bullying does not happen.
- Governors and leaders work effectively together, ensuring staff workload is manageable and that improvement plans are monitored.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should evaluate the impact of recently redesigned curricula in subjects like history and geography on pupils’ long-term knowledge and skills.
- Leaders should ensure pupils engage with a wider range of views and beliefs, as the curriculum coverage of different cultures is ‘not as well developed’.
Safeguarding
The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with leaders providing frequent training and working with external agencies to keep vulnerable pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DH7 9QY, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT