Cestria Primary School
93%
Capacity
392
Pupils
3.2x
Demand
About Cestria Primary School
Cestria Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 392 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 420 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Cestria Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Lorraine Gowland, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 93% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 146th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 170 in County Durham.
Cestria Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 161 applications for 50 places, making it 3.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 46 were first-preference applications.
Cestria Primary School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 98% recommending the school (129 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cestria Primary School include ICT Suite, Library, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Rounders, Gymnastics, Netball, as well as clubs including Coding, Art Club, Gardening, Science Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.1%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in County Durham, Cestria Primary School is one of the options available in the North East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Church Chare, Chester le Street, County Durham, DH3 3PZ |
| Headteacher | Lorraine Gowland |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 392 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.1% |
| School Capacity | 392 / 420 (93% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
18 Dec 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (18 Dec 2024): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 14 Jan 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (93%)
146th of 13,686
Nationally
7th of 677
In North East
3rd of 170
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
93%
Expected Standard
19%
Higher Standard
'22/23
88%
'23/24
93%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
129 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed50
161
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
46 families put this school as their 1st choice (29% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cestria Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Church Chare, Chester le Street
County Durham, DH3 3PZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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