Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool
50%
Capacity
50
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool
Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool is a state-funded Church of England primary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 50 pupils on roll, operating at 50% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool "Good", the school is led by headteacher Karen Whitaker, it falls under County Durham local authority.
Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool is a popular choice with families — it received 7 applications for 4 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 4 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool include Library, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Sensory Room, Outdoor Playground, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Cross Country, Athletics, Rounders and 1 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Science Club, Eco Club, Coding and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 16.7%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in County Durham, Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool 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 | Church of England |
| Address | Low Road, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 3DR |
| Headteacher | Karen Whitaker |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 50 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 16.7% |
| School Capacity | 50 / 100 (50% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 May 2019Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (22 May 2019): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Sept 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
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
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed4
7
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
4 families put this school as their 1st choice (57% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
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How to Choose a Primary School
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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
Low Road, Darlington
County Durham, DL2 3DR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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