Best 3 Primary schools in County Durham – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of primary schools: Kirk Merrington Primary School (Primary) in Spennymoor; Thornhill Primary School (Primary) in Shildon; Montalbo Nursery & Primary School (Primary) in Barnard Castle — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Kirk Merrington Primary School, Thornhill Primary School and Montalbo Nursery & Primary School. They are primary phase and community school type located around Spennymoor, County Durham, Shildon, County Durham and Barnard Castle, County Durham. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Kirk Merrington Primary School), published Apr 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Kirk Merrington Primary School (Apr 2024). average roll around ≈ 200, combined total ≈ 600, typical FSM 15–20%, range 10–15%–30–35%; all under County Durham local authority.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Kirk Merrington Primary School DL16 7JB	Thornhill Primary School DL4 1ES	Montalbo Nursery & Primary School DL12 8TN
Phase / Type	Primary • Community school	Primary • Community school	Primary • Community school
Location	Spennymoor County Durham DL16 7JB	Shildon County Durham DL4 1ES	Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8TN
Latest Ofsted	1 24 Apr 2024	1 20 Mar 2023	1 8 Mar 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 150 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 250 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	30–35% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	172	210	210
Capacity utilisation	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Not applicable	Not applicable	Not applicable
Trust / Local authority	County Durham (840)	County Durham (840)	County Durham (840)
Website	www.kirkmerrington.durham.sch.uk	www.thornhill.durham.sch.uk	www.montalbo.durham.sch.uk
Telephone	01388816230	01388772906	01833637718
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Kirk Merrington Primary School

DL16 7JB

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Spennymoor
County Durham
DL16 7JB
Ofsted: 1 24 Apr 2024
Pupils: ≈ 150 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: County Durham (840)
Website: www.kirkmerrington.durham.sch.uk
Telephone: 01388816230

Thornhill Primary School

DL4 1ES

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Shildon
County Durham
DL4 1ES
Ofsted: 1 20 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 30–35% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: County Durham (840)
Website: www.thornhill.durham.sch.uk
Telephone: 01388772906

Montalbo Nursery & Primary School

DL12 8TN

Phase / Type: Primary • Community school
Location: Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8TN
Ofsted: 1 8 Mar 2023
Pupils: ≈ 250 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: County Durham (840)
Website: www.montalbo.durham.sch.uk
Telephone: 01833637718

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.