New amide–acid functional SiO2 nanoparticle (FSNP)‐reinforced semi‐crystalline aliphatic–aromatic poly(ether‐sulfone‐amide) (PESA) was synthesized using a solution method in dimethylformamide. The surfaces of SiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized with phthalic anhydride, and subsequently PESA was synthesized using direct polymerization with good yield and desired molar mass. PESA/SiO2 nanocomposites (PSNCs) were prepared with three different contents of FSNP and the morphology and mechanical, thermal and combustion properties of the PSNCs were studied. The results of X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed a uniform dispersion for FSNP in the PESA matrix. According to the results of mechanical tests, the tensile strength and the Young's modulus of PESA were enhanced by FSNP loading. Thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry results showed a substantial improvement in thermal properties of PESA. The temperature at 5% mass loss was increased from 371.7 to 395.8 °C for the PSNC containing 8 mass% of FSNP, as well as the char yield being enhanced greatly, which was about 30% higher than that of neat PESA. Significant improvements in combustion properties were observed for PSNCs from microscale combustion calorimetry. The peak heat release rate showed an obvious improvement and decreased by about 57% compared to that of neat PESA on 8 mass% loading of FSNP. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry