Primary schools near Durham City

[RamonaCP]

Hello! We are currently based in Birmingham, but might move soon with my teacher training course and I was wondering if anyone can advise on the schools near Durham city, school in the villages close to Durham.
Also, the house prices, in the villages nearby, are very acceptable, are these houses ok?
Thank you.

Have a look at deafhill primary, in Deaf Hill (Also known as Trimdon Station). It is a 15 min drive to Durham city x

There’s a whole lot of variation in the villages near Durham so you’re going to have to narrow it down a bit!

I have friends with children at at Margaret’s and nevilles cross primary, both in Durham city and both very happy with it.
Are you moving just for the year or long term (I did my teacher training at Durham uni as a mature student. I only came for the year and have never left!)?

If you want an in year transfer then that will also affect which school you can get.

The villages vary quite a lot. Lanchester, about 5 miles out is lovely but nowhere near as cheap. Sherburn is nice too but others are ex pit villages with not a lot going on, bored teenagers hanging around etc. Is this going to be a permanent relocation or just one year? If the former, look at catchments for senior schools too. Durham Johnson has an excellent reputation and OFSTED but is a pushy exam factory. I have colleagues whose kids were really damaged by their time there. Primary wise in town, Margaret's, Oswalds and Nevilles Cross are all good. I leave and teach in the city, PM me if you like 😁

I live in a village along the deerness valley.

There is so much variation in villages, schools etc. If planning a long term stay then I'd say be a bit more careful as some of the really good primary schools don't offer a route into a good secondary.

My children have been to/ go to a good primary which is a feeder for a good secondary so we have a secure route. Plus I love where I live and housing is not expensive.

Housing stock is another consideration though. In many of the villages it is old mining terraces or expensive new builds. A lot of villages are seeing a huge rise in new build estates but the capacity of schools, gp surgeries etc isn't always there.

Durham city and suburbs like newton hall, framwellgate moor, pity me etc offer decent housing stock, schools, walkable to the city centre.

Langley moor and meadowfield are decent too.

Other side you've got shincliffe which is nice but more expensive. Bowburn, Coxoe

Gilesgate is worth considering. Walking distance of the city centre, convenient for the A1 for you to get around to different placement schools, some decent primary schools. Bit further you've got Belmont.

Then you've got out to Ushaw Moor and further in that direction. Ushaw Moor is fairly popular with mature students etc. Lots of recent new housing attracting people. Used to be not very well considered but that's changing. Plenty of villages further out too. Just all depends on what you want to prioritise and where you will need to commute to.

Gilesgate definitely worth a thought as you could walk to the school of education in 10-15 mins. There are 3 primaries that would feed naturally into Belmont Comp that's v much on the up reputation wise. Close to lots of amenities but doesn't have the 'community' feel you get in a village, though if your kids were at a local school that might help.

Thank you very much for your replies. I really appreciate it. I am just at the stage where I am having interviews for a place with a teacher training provider. One of them is Durham University and I am very anxious about the outcome. We would love to move permanently near Durham. Have found some affordable houses: 50,000 GBP the average cost, we could afford. My son is 7 years old and definitely need a good primary school wich would offer secondary education later on.
Thank you All, once again, you are very hepful. It is lovely to see that so many of you are happy living in this area.

If you are looking for secondary schools also, the nearest secondary to deaf hill is this one, a 20 minute bike ride or 10 minute bus ride away x

If you’re looking long term then it’s worth looking at Chester-le-Street too. It’s a easy commute to Durham but also to the local area for travel to placements and good primary and secondary schools.

Good point yes, Chester le Street is a convenient spot for commuting and has great schools.

I'd be a little wary of £50k houses, you might not quite want to live in them.

Ooo, may I ask why? :-)

I'd just be researching the area and the particular street very carefully that's all. Not saying all bad at that price but just take care.

Witton Gilbert
Blue Coat

Esh village catholic and CofE
Both excellent schools

50k won't get you much, even up here. You'd be looking at double that for anywhere half decent.

Drove to durham the other evening
Good grief they are wrecking it
What on Earth are they doing on the side of the bridge
I turned the car round and headed back to shincliffe and had a nice walk, and indian meal thete

Sure, will definitely research the area prior to purchasing a house/ moving in. Would you be able to tell me more about Thornley? Thank you.

Hi All!
I hope you are all well!
I will finish very soon my PGCE course. We are still in Birmingham, but we're considering moving to Durham county this summer. We have been looking at areas you have recommended. What do you know about Houghton Le Spring? We have found something in Chester le Street, but it is a bit expensive...therefore we're looking at alternatives, such as Houghton Le Spring..maybe.
In terms of primary (for my son) /secondary schools, I am not very sure Houghton is a good option. Jobs for me as a secondary MFL teacher are to find in the bigger towns, which is not problematic, as there is transport available.
Any suggestions are very welcome, as always. Thank you.

Take care,

Hello again!
Hope you are all safe and well!
We are in the process of purchasing a house in Ushaw Moor. Any recommendations for primary schools in this area? We can commute if the school is not in the village. Many thanks.