Best Schools 2024

Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

Facts About County Durham Secondary Schools
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  • #1 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    The Oaks Secondary School

    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.
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  • #2 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    The Academy at Shotton Hall

    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.
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  • #3 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Carmel College

    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.
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  • #4 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Durham Johnston Comprehensive School

    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.
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  • #5 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Our Lady & St. Bede Catholic Academy

    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.
    Our Lady & St. Bede Catholic Academy
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  • #6 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Teesdale School and Sixth Form

    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.
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  • #7 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Dyke House Sports and Technology College

    Dyke House Sports and Technology College is an outstanding secondary school in Hartlepool. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 11-19. The school celebrates success daily, with no limits placed on what pupils can achieve. The curriculum is exceptionally well designed and leaders ensure that pupils' conduct is superb. Additionally, the school offers outstanding sixth-form provision and has a strong focus on character development. With a strong community spirit and effective safeguarding arrangements, Dyke House Sports and Technology College is an excellent choice for parents seeking a quality education for their children.
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  • #8 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    The Grangefield Academy

    The Grangefield Academy is an outstanding secondary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a strong sense of moral purpose, the school aims to provide exceptional academic and social outcomes for its students. With a wide and ambitious curriculum, effective teacher training for supporting pupils with special educational needs, and a well-developed reading curriculum, the school ensures that every child receives a high-quality education. The positive school climate, effective behaviour management systems, and life curriculum that prepares pupils to be positive citizens make it a safe and nurturing environment for students. With outstanding leadership and management, as well as effective safeguarding arrangements, parents can trust that their child's well-being and education are prioritized at The Grangefield Academy.
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  • #9 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Elemore Hall School

    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.
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  • #10 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    North Shore Academy

    North Shore Academy is a highly regarded secondary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With an outstanding Ofsted rating, the school offers a high-quality education to students aged 11-16. The dedicated teachers provide a supportive and caring environment, ensuring that pupils produce high-quality work and excel academically. With a strong focus on reading and support for students with special educational needs, North Shore Academy is committed to the success and well-being of every child. The school's excellent safeguarding arrangements and exemplary behaviour in lessons provide peace of mind for parents. Overall, North Shore Academy is proud to offer an ambitious curriculum and a nurturing learning environment for its students.
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  • #11 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    High Tunstall College of Science

    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.
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  • #12 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Northfield School and Sports College

    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.
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  • #13 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    King James I Academy Bishop Auckland

    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.
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  • #14 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Belmont Community School

    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.
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  • #15 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Beaumont Hill Academy

    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.
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  • #16 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Woodham Academy

    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.
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  • #17 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    St John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College

    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.
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  • #18 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Croft Community School

    Croft Community School is an all-through school located in Annfield Plain, Stanley. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students aged 4-16. The school has a strong focus on communication and mental health, catering to students with speech, language and communication needs, as well as autism spectrum disorders and learning difficulties. The school's overall effectiveness is rated as 'Good' by Ofsted, with outstanding behaviour and attitudes. Croft Community School offers a broad and varied curriculum, supported by excellent resources, ensuring that every student receives a quality education.
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  • #19 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    Manor Community Academy

    Manor Community Academy is a secondary school located in Hartlepool, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, the school provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 11-16. The school has been graded as 'Good' by Ofsted, highlighting its quality of education and leadership. It offers a range of resources and strives for personal development. With a focus on academic achievement, the school's exam results show that 41% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs in 2019. Additionally, the school supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and provides inclusive education for all.
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  • #20 in Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

    North Durham Academy

    North Durham Academy is a secondary school located in Stanley, North East. With a strong focus on providing an exemplary education, the school prioritizes the well-being and success of its students. With a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and a Good rating from Ofsted, parents can trust that their children will receive high-quality teaching and support. The school values kindness, optimism, honesty, resolve, and respect, and works towards creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. With a 29% Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs and a 51% achievement of GCSE grades 4 or higher, North Durham Academy demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the 2023/24 Best secondary schools

12 ofsted outstanding schools in County Durham.

8 catholic secondary schools in County Durham.

2 christian secondary schools in County Durham.

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