Beginning our new school year celebrating four positive Ofsted inspections

Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust (DND Learning Trust) is beginning the 2026–27 academic year with plenty to celebrate, following positive Ofsted inspections across four of our schools.  

During the final months of the last academic year, Newbrough Church of England Primary School, Wark Church of England Primary School, St Aidan’s Church of England Memorial Primary School and Egglescliffe Church of England Primary School all welcomed Ofsted inspectors. 

Across the four reports, inspectors highlighted many areas of strength, from inclusive school cultures and positive behaviour to strong early years provisions, attendance and pupil achievements. 

We are incredibly proud of the pupils, staff, leaders and wider school communities whose hard work and commitment are reflected throughout the reports. 

Egglescliffe Church of England Primary School 

Egglescliffe Church of England Primary School received a particularly positive report, achieving a Strong Standard in achievement, attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. 

Achievement was recognised as a particular strength. Pupils' performance in the end of Key Stage 2 national tests and the Year 1 phonics screening check has been significantly higher than national averages. Inspectors noted that pupils are supported to master a challenging curriculum and “relish answering ‘dig deeper’ questions” which encourage them to think hard and extend their knowledge. 

Ofsted also recognised the impact of working as part of our Trust, stating that “the expert support and challenge provided by the Trust has helped the school to improve,” since its previous inspection. The report highlighted opportunities for staff to collaborate with colleagues across other Trust schools, helping to share ideas and improve practice. 

Perhaps most importantly, the report captures the experience of the children themselves, with inspectors writing: “Pupils love being part of the Egglescliffe school community.” Pupils were praised for their curiosity, positive behaviour and enthusiasm for the opportunities available to them. 

Wark Church of England Primary School 

Wark Church of England Primary School achieved Strong Standards in attendance and behaviour, early years and inclusion. 

Inspectors praised the school's approach to attendance, noting that it is “consistently high and above national expectations”, with very few pupils missing school regularly. Pupils' behaviour was also described as very positive, creating an atmosphere where children can enjoy their learning. 

The early years provision was another significant strength. Ofsted found that children “make a strong start to their education” and highlighted the “calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and ready to learn.” The curriculum carefully builds knowledge step by step, with particular focus on language, communication, early mathematics, phonics and reading. 

Inclusion was equally celebrated. Inspectors recognised a “strong culture of inclusion where every pupil is valued and supported to achieve well.” Staff were praised for knowing pupils and their families exceptionally well, enabling them to identify barriers quickly and put effective support in place.  

St Aidan’s Church of England Memorial Primary School  

St Aidan’s Church of England Memorial Primary School achieved a Strong Standard for attendance and behaviour, alongside Expected Standards across the remaining inspection areas. 

Attendance was particularly praised, with inspectors recognising the school's relentless focus on ensuring pupils attend regularly. Ofsted found that attendance has remained above the national average over time, while persistent absence is significantly below the national average. 

The report also celebrates the positive relationships that underpin school life. Pupils were found to work diligently and cooperatively, contribute enthusiastically to lessons and respond positively to the encouragement they receive from staff. Ofsted also recognised the support available for pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs. 

Inspectors described St Aidan's as a “nurturing, aspirational and supportive place for pupils to learn, play and develop.” They also recognised the role of the Trust in supporting improvement, noting that additional leadership support has accelerated developments in inclusion and contributed to rapid improvements in systems and support for pupils with SEND. 

The sense of belonging throughout the school was perhaps best summed up by one pupil, who told inspectors: “I feel like I fit in here.” 

Newbrough Church of England Primary School 

Newbrough Church of England Primary School achieved a Strong Standard for early years, alongside Expected Standards in the other areas of inspection. 

Inspectors found that children in Nursery and Reception “make a strong and successful start to their education.” The curriculum carefully maps the knowledge, skills and vocabulary children need, while an inspiring environment and ambitious activities encourage children to build their confidence, knowledge and resilience. 

Reading, writing and communication are given a high priority from the outset. Inspectors highlighted the high-quality interactions children have with staff and the clear modelling that helps them develop confidence as early readers and writers. 

Across the wider school, Ofsted also recognised a strong sense of community. Inspectors found that pupils “feel a strong sense of belonging,” while parents speak highly of the support provided to pupils with SEND. 

Pupils' emotional wellbeing is another important focus. The report found that pupils are taught to understand and manage their emotions, and that they are happy to come to school and able to focus well in lessons. 

Alongside academic learning, the school works to broaden pupils' experiences and encourage them to contribute positively to their community and the wider world, reflecting Newbrough's vision of helping every pupil to flourish. 

A positive start to 2026–27 

Every school within our Trust has its own identity, community and strengths, and each of these reports highlights them all. Together, however, they reflect many of the priorities we share: high aspirations for every child, inclusive education, strong relationships and a commitment to continual improvement. 

The reports also demonstrate what can be achieved when individual schools are supported by the strength of a wider Trust community. 

We would like to congratulate everyone at Egglescliffe, Wark, St Aidan’s Memorial and Newbrough on their positive inspections. 

It is a wonderful way to begin the 2026–27 academic year, and we look forward to building on these successes as we continue working together to help every school and pupil across our Trust thrive.