Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School, Durham

Ofsted's report card from its 6 May 2026 inspection grades Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School on 7 areas: 2 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Attendance is high due to leaders' sustained and strategic focus on this aspect of school life."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders and staff tailor the school's personal development programme to provide pupils with the experiences and skills they need."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils typically achieve well at Shincliffe."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders evaluate the quality of the curriculum and pupils' learning with a clear and strategic focus."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders understand the importance of the early years."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Over time, leaders have created a safe and inclusive school environment."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders evaluate the school's work and understand its strengths."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that their ongoing work to enhance the quality of staff–child interactions in early years becomes embedded in routine practice"; "Leaders should ensure greater consistency in how tasks are chosen so that pupils make progress in all lessons".

In its own words: "Shincliffe CE Primary School is a school where pupils, staff and parents/carers enjoy working and learning together in a community rooted in our school Christian Vision. At Shincliffe, our rich and diverse curriculum kindles curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong thirst for knowledge. We believe that children thrive in an environment where they feel happy, challenged and secure."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 82% of Year 6 pupils at Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 79% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 74% in County Durham and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 97% in reading and 93% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 27 families put Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School as their first choice and 64 named it as one of their preferences, for 30 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School are Laurel Avenue Community Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 80% reading, 70% maths); St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Gilesgate (1.6 miles, 100% reading, 100% maths); St Oswald's Church of England Aided Primary and Nursery School (1.7 miles, Good, 79% reading, 79% maths); and Bowburn Primary School (1.7 miles).

Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 3 schools.

6.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 5.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 21 pupils (10.8%) received SEN support and 4 (2.1%) 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 a moderate learning difficulty.

The nearest railway station is Durham Rail Station, about 2.3 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Chapel Place (s-bound), 120 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School stands in is among the 10% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often other theft, public order offences and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in County Durham (84).

Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.