An initial meeting was held on 28th April, 1950 at Bede College, Durham to discuss the formation of a Durham County Schools Athletic Association. The Association was formed in time to arrange the holding of its first County Championship just over 2 months later. It was held on 30th June, 1951 at Houghton-Le Spring with nearly 400 children from 14 County Durham districts taking part. 

In 1952 the first Durham ESAA champions were crowned, J. Smith in the Senior Boys 100 yards and J. Hepple in the Junior Boys 220 yards. 

Houghton-Le Spring was also the venue for the 1958 ESAA Track and Field Championship, the first time the event was held in County Durham.