East Stanley School, Stanley

In its own words: "At East Stanley Primary School we believe that all children should be supported and encouraged to reach their full potential . We want them to enjoy learning and our broad and engaging curriculum. Our aim is to provide a safe, supportive, stimulating and challenging environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential as learners."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At East Stanley School, our vision is to create a school which is at the heart of the community. A place where we will encourage independence and creative thinking, by providing our children with the skills that will enable them to achieve their full potential in our constantly changing world."

In 2025, 61% of Year 6 pupils at East Stanley School reached the expected standard in reading and 71% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in County Durham and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (67% in reading, 60% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 17 families put East Stanley School as their first choice and 42 named it as one of their preferences, for 17 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to East Stanley School are Shield Row Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 83% reading, 74% maths); Stanley Burnside Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 65% reading, 85% maths); St Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanley (0.5 miles, 83% reading, 86% maths); and Beamish Primary School (0.8 miles, 43% reading, 57% maths).

East Stanley School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

East Stanley School is one of 11 schools run by Stanley Learning Partnership, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 65% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

51.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 1.7% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 31 pupils (17.8%) received SEN support and 2 (1.1%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of East Stanley School.

13 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Schools (w-bound), 30 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 197 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in County Durham (84), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, East Stanley School issued 1 suspension, 0.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to East Stanley School are North Durham Academy (0.3 miles) and Tanfield School (1 mile).