Best Secondary School for Academic Performance in County Durham (2024)

Carmel College is an outstanding secondary school in Darlington, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides high-quality teaching and excellent pastoral care. Students at Carmel College achieve outstanding academic results, with 65% attaining a Grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. The school's sixth form is exceptional, with A-Level results significantly above national averages. The exemplary behavior and safety measures make Carmel College a secure and nurturing environment for students.

The Academy at Shotton Hall is an outstanding secondary school located in Peterlee, North East. With a strong focus on maintaining high standards and behavior, the school provides a nurturing and respectful environment for students to learn. The dedicated staff and exceptional leadership ensure excellent academic achievements and students' overall well-being. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, each student receives individual attention and support. The school prides itself on its outstanding attitude towards learning and instilling valuable skills in students. However, there is room for improvement in providing more opportunities for developing research, critical thinking, and mathematical skills. Overall, The Academy at Shotton Hall is a highly reputable institution that values its students and offers an exceptional education.

Teesdale School and Sixth Form is an outstanding co-ed secondary school located in Barnard Castle, North East. With a strong focus on academic excellence, the school provides highly aspirational leadership and exceptional teaching, resulting in impressive student progress across a range of subjects. The school boasts outstanding exam results, with 62% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs in 2019. With an excellent student-teacher ratio of 16:1 and a commitment to personal development and welfare, Teesdale School and Sixth Form provides a nurturing environment for students to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Our Lady & St. Bede Catholic Academy is an outstanding secondary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a nurturing and supportive environment for students aged 11-16. The school's excellent academic standards, outstanding leadership, and high-quality teaching and learning ensure that students achieve exceptional outcomes. The school's commitment to promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, along with its impartial careers guidance, sets it apart. Joining the Carmel Education Trust has further enhanced the school's progress and achievements. We warmly welcome visitors to experience the welcoming and inclusive community at Our Lady & St. Bede Catholic Academy.

Durham Johnston Comprehensive School is an outstanding secondary school in City of Durham, offering excellent education and preparation for students aged 11-18. With an exceptional leadership team and dedicated teachers, the school consistently achieves high academic standards and accelerated progress. The safe and happy school environment fosters both academic and personal growth. The school's outstanding sixth form provides further opportunities for students to excel. With a diverse student body and a commitment to inclusivity, Durham Johnston Comprehensive School offers a well-rounded education for all.

Woodham Academy is a secondary school located in Great Aycliffe, North East. With a strong focus on academic achievement, the school provides high-quality opportunities for students to excel. The dedicated staff and effective leadership ensure a positive learning environment where students thrive. With a good overall grade from Ofsted, Woodham Academy is a great choice for parents looking for a school that prioritizes personal development, behavior, and welfare.

Northfield School and Sports College is a secondary school located in Wolviston, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment for students aged 11-16. With a Good Ofsted rating and strong exam results, the school prioritizes academic achievement whilst also promoting personal development, behaviour, and welfare. Offering a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities, Northfield School and Sports College provides a well-rounded education for students.

High Tunstall College of Science is a co-ed secondary school located in Hartlepool, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a Good Ofsted rating, the school is dedicated to providing a high-quality education. The school focuses on personal development, ensuring students receive support and resources to excel academically. With a strong emphasis on safety and welfare, High Tunstall College of Science aims to create a nurturing environment for all students.

The Oaks Secondary School is an outstanding special school located in Spennymoor, North East. With a dedicated leadership and outstanding Ofsted report, the school offers a well-designed curriculum and achieves strong outcomes for its students. Staff, parents, and carers highly value the school. However, further development is needed in the support for pupils with mental health needs. Overall, The Oaks Secondary School is a top choice for parents seeking an exceptional education for their children.

Belmont Community School is a secondary school located in Belmont, North East. With a strong leadership and management team, the school offers good teaching with high expectations, resulting in rising standards of attainment. The school focuses on reducing the gap in progress between disadvantaged pupils and others, providing effective support for students with special educational needs. The school also places importance on personal development, behavior and welfare of students, fostering positive relationships between pupils and staff. With an overall grade of B-, Belmont Community School ensures a safe and inclusive environment for students to thrive.

St John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College is a co-educational Roman Catholic secondary school and sixth form located in Bishop Auckland, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the school provides a positive and ambitious learning environment where pupils can flourish. The school's focus on personal development and welfare is a strength, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. While exam results have shown some fluctuation, the school is committed to continuous improvement and effective teaching, learning, and assessment.

King James I Academy Bishop Auckland is a co-educational secondary school located in Bishop Auckland, North East. With a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and a strong focus on personal development and welfare, the school provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 11-18. The school has been rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, demonstrating its effectiveness in leadership, teaching, and outcomes for pupils. With a B- grade overall, King James I Academy is committed to providing quality education and ensuring the well-being of its students.

The Meadows School is a co-ed secondary school located in Spennymoor, North East. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 3:1, the school offers a broad and relevant curriculum, focusing on social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school has shown improvement in teaching and learning, preparing students well for their next stage of education. However, there are areas that require improvement, such as attendance, spelling, punctuation, grammar standards, and pushing the most able students forward consistently. Overall, the school provides a safe and resourceful environment for students, but parental involvement and accountability from the leadership could be strengthened.

Elemore Hall School is a secondary school located in Pittington, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, it offers a nurturing and supportive environment for students aged 11-16. The school focuses on the social, emotional, and mental health needs of its students, providing effective individual support. Elemore Hall School has shown good overall effectiveness, academic progress, and personal development. However, there is room for improvement in areas such as spelling and grammar, mathematics problem-solving skills, and attendance. The school's extensive grounds offer numerous opportunities for outdoor learning and activities.

Beaumont Hill Academy is an all-through school in Darlington, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides individualized attention to students aged 2-19. The dedicated staff and effective leadership ensure a good overall effectiveness, as recognized by Ofsted. The school offers a clear vision for the future and has improved teaching and learning. However, middle leaders need to play a larger role in future improvement. The school has a positive transition process for post-16 students and receives positive feedback from parents and carers. While there is room for improvement in writing skills, the school focuses on personal development, behavior, and welfare. Despite previous challenges, Beaumont Hill Academy is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students.

UTC South Durham is a state-funded technical school and sixth form, offering a focused and STEM-focused curriculum for students aged 14-19. With effective leadership and management, the school has achieved a 'Good' rating in all categories during its first Ofsted inspection. The school has strong partnerships with employers that provide work-based skills and competencies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future careers. Despite mixed outcomes in 2018, UTC South Durham prioritizes personal development, behavior, and welfare of its students. With an emphasis on workplace skills and strong educational foundation, UTC South Durham sets students up for successful futures in education, jobs, or training.

Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth is a secondary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a student population of 497, the school provides a co-ed learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school is known for its effective leadership and improvement in teaching quality. However, it faces challenges in addressing attendance and behavior issues. Despite these challenges, the school has demonstrated good student outcomes and offers good career guidance. Overall, Outwood Academy Bishopsgarth strives to provide a positive learning experience for its students.

St Leonard's Catholic School is a Roman Catholic secondary school located in the City of Durham. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school strives to ensure each student reaches their full potential. The school focuses on providing a safe and nurturing environment where students are valued and encouraged to develop their gifts and talents. St Leonard's offers a good quality of education, as recognized by Ofsted. The school also has a strong commitment to its Catholic Christian heritage, promoting the values and attitudes of Jesus Christ. With a focus on academic achievement and personal growth, St Leonard's is dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Hummersknott Academy is a prosperous and successful secondary school located in Darlington, North East. With a student teacher ratio of 19:1, the school offers a well-rounded education through a variety of extracurricular activities. The academy focuses on providing access to a variety of languages and has partner schools in France, Germany, Italy, and China. With good overall effectiveness and quality of education, Hummersknott Academy is committed to collaboration between faculty, parents, and students for the success of every child.

Ian Ramsey Church of England Academy is a well-respected secondary school in Stockton-on-Tees. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, the school ensures individual attention and support for each student. The school's good Ofsted grade highlights its commitment to providing a quality education. With a focus on personal development and strong leadership, Ian Ramsey aims to nurture students and help them achieve academic success. Additionally, the school's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its support for students with special educational needs. With a diverse and welcoming community, Ian Ramsey provides a safe and supportive environment for students to thrive.