It is a short distance west of Newton Aycliffe, and east of Heighington.

Its name derives from a Viking called Scula, who owned land in that part of South Durham.

The School Aycliffe Wetlands is a wildlife habitat situated on the northern edge of the village.

On the southern side is a new housing estate, "The Chestnuts", under the remit of the Borough of Darlington and part of the parish of Heighington.

The now-closed Aycliffe Hospital, a mental health facility, was located there before the estate was built.