What is the best primary school in County Durham?

On our composite score, Thornhill Primary School is the top-ranked primary school in County Durham, with a grade B. The score is one view of a school: each profile shows the figures behind it, and the list above ranks every scored primary school in the area.

How many primary schools are there in County Durham?

There are 200 primary schools in County Durham with a composite score on FindGreatSchools. Schools too new to have published results, and independent and special schools, are listed on their own pages.

How are primary schools in County Durham ranked?

By our composite score, which blends four domains (Ofsted inspection, attainment, progress and engagement) into a grade from A to F. Schools are ordered by score weighted by data completeness, so a school with thin data cannot leapfrog a well-measured one. The method and weights are published in full.

When do I apply for a primary school place in County Durham?

Applications for Reception places in County Durham starting in September 2027 close on 15 January 2027. You apply through the council where you live, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 16 April 2027 (or the next working day).

The best primary schools in County Durham

Compare 200 top-rated primary schools in County Durham, ranked by Ofsted ratings, SATs results, attendance and progress. Top of the list: Thornhill Primary School.

Local Authority 200 scored primary schools

Showing 24 of 208 schools (Page 1 of 9)

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Compare the top two side by side: Thornhill Primary School vs Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School

The best primary schools in County Durham

Results

Thornhill Primary School

Staindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School

New Seaham Academy

St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Seaham

Greenland Community Primary School

St Oswald's Church of England Aided Primary and Nursery School

St Godric's Catholic Primary School, Durham

St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle

Evenwood Church of England Primary School

Montalbo Nursery & Primary School

Stanley (Crook) Primary School

Kirk Merrington Primary School

St Godrics Catholic Primary School, Thornley

Lanchester Endowed Parochial Primary School

Bullion Lane Primary School

St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village

Framwellgate Moor Primary School

St Margaret's Church of England Primary School

Wheatley Hill Community Primary School

Browney Primary Academy

Ebchester CofE Primary School

Coxhoe Primary School

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School

Seaview Primary School

Applying for a primary school place in County Durham

Primary schools in County Durham: common questions

More schools in County Durham

Best primary schools near County Durham

See every school in County Durham