Thornley Academy
74%
Capacity
156
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About Thornley Academy
Thornley Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 156 pupils on roll, operating at 74% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Thornley Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Natalie Fountain -Acting, it falls under County Durham local authority.
Thornley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 22 applications for 13 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 13 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, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Thornley Academy include Outdoor Playground, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Sensory Room, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Forest School, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Tennis, Football, Gymnastics, as well as clubs including Gardening, Film Club, Choir.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 40.2%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in County Durham, Thornley Academy 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 | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Cooper's Terrace, Durham, County Durham, DH6 3DZ |
| Headteacher | Natalie Fountain -Acting |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 156 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 40.2% |
| School Capacity | 156 / 210 (74% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Jan 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (24 Jan 2024): School remains Good (Concerns) - S5 Next
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 29 Apr 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
7Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed13
22
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
13 families put this school as their 1st choice (59% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thornley Academy
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
Cooper's Terrace, Durham
County Durham, DH6 3DZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Thornley Academy!
Write a Review