Best Secondary Schools in County Durham

The Horizon School in Hartlepool, established in 1997, offers a high-quality secondary education for boys and girls aged 11-16. Led by Mr Martyn Gordon, the school has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, reflecting its effective leadership, quality teaching, and positive outcomes for students. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, personal development and welfare are prioritized at The Horizon School.

Endeavour Academy Durham is a secondary school providing an alternative education for students, particularly those dealing with social or emotional problems. With a strong focus on personal development and welfare, the school offers skilled staff, excellent support, and high-quality teaching leading to good progress and informed decisions for students' future education and careers.

The Woodlands is a co-ed middle deemed secondary school located in Ferryhill, North East. With a strong focus on personal development and welfare, the school provides a nurturing environment for students aged 6-16. Offering support for students with special educational needs, The Woodlands ensures every child receives the attention they need to thrive. The school has been rated 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted, highlighting its effectiveness in leadership, teaching, and outcomes for pupils.

King Edwin School is a co-educational middle deemed secondary school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a small school size of 90 students, it offers a nurturing environment for children aged 6-18 years. Led by Mrs Lorna McLean, the school has been recognized for its good overall effectiveness, quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and outstanding personal development. With a focus on meeting the independent school standards, King Edwin School prioritizes the well-rounded development of its students.

Priory Hurworth House is an all-through co-ed school located in Hurworth-on-Tees, North East. With a small school size of 80 students, it offers a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 5-19. The school provides excellent support for students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. It is praised for its outstanding behaviour and attitudes, as well as the personal development of its students. With a Good overall effectiveness rating and meeting independent school standards, Priory Hurworth House ensures a high-quality education for all.

Hartwell School is an all-through co-ed school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a total of 78 students, it provides a high-quality education for children aged 5-18 years. Led by Mr Peter Ewart, the school promotes good behaviour, personal development, and effective leadership. It meets the independent school standards and maintains close ties between home and learning for students with special educational needs.

Dene Academy is a secondary school located in Peterlee, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, it provides individual attention to students, ensuring their holistic development. The school offers co-ed education for pupils aged 11-16 and has a total of 612 students. Led by Mr David Nelson, the dedicated team of 41.8 full-time teachers and 15 assistants create a nurturing learning environment. Dene Academy promotes inclusivity, with 321% of students eligible for free school meals and only 1.90% having English as a second language.

Parkside Academy is a co-educational secondary school located in Willington, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a strong emphasis on success, the school offers a dynamic environment where students can thrive. Boasting an outstanding Ofsted rating and impressive exam results, Parkside Academy prioritizes the development of confident and skilled young adults. With a focus on healthy lifestyles, respect, and community involvement, this excellent institution prepares students for life beyond school.

Seaham High School is a thriving and inclusive secondary school located in Seaham, North East. With a strong leadership under Mr Geoffrey William Lumsdon, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for students aged 11-16. The school boasts a co-ed setting with a diverse student body, offering a wide range of opportunities for academic and personal growth. With a focus on supporting students from all backgrounds, Seaham High School ensures that every child has access to a quality education, with a significant percentage eligible for free school meals. Additionally, the school celebrates diversity with a small percentage of students who speak English as a second language. With a sizeable student population of over 1000, Seaham High School is dedicated to imparting knowledge, skills, and values that prepare students for success in their future endeavors.

Hermitage Academy is a co-ed secondary school located in Durham, North East. With a student teacher ratio of 13:1, we prioritize individual attention and personalized education. Our school size of 1050 ensures a close-knit community, while our experienced staff of 78.3 full-time teachers and 10 assistants provides quality education. We are proud to have a diverse student body, with 505 boys and 545 girls, catering to a wide range of academic and social needs. At Hermitage Academy, we foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, ensuring their success and well-being.

Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College is a co-ed secondary school located in Ferryhill, North East. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school offers personalized attention to each child. It prioritizes student safety and provides resources for academic excellence. The school's focus on business and entrepreneurship prepares students for future success. With a Grade C- in academics and a Grade D+ in teaching, the school strives to improve student outcomes. In 2019, 34% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs. Join us to nurture your child's potential!

Easington Academy is a secondary school located in Easington Village, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, our school provides a supportive and structured environment where students are treated as individuals. We prioritize excellent behavior and offer access to the latest technology and creative teaching methods. Our students have a wide range of extracurricular activities to choose from, ensuring their holistic development. With a focus on academic and social potential, we aim to provide the best outcomes for our students, creating joyful memories throughout their time at Easington Academy.

Sedgefield Community College is a safe and welcoming secondary school in Sedgefield, North East. With a strong focus on academic success and personal development, the school provides effective support for students with SEND. With clear safeguarding arrangements, it offers a happy and valued environment for both pupils and staff.

St Bede's Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College is a secondary school located in Peterlee, North East. With a strong Roman Catholic ethos, the school offers a co-educational learning environment for students aged 11-18. Led by Headteacher Mrs Frances Cessford, the school strives to provide a high-quality education to its diverse student body of 808 students. With a dedicated sixth form, St Bede's Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College offers comprehensive educational opportunities for students beyond secondary school. The school prides itself on being inclusive, with a 209% eligible for free school meals and a 3.50% English not 1st language student population.

St Hild's Church of England School is a secondary school located in Hartlepool, North East. With a strong focus on faith and character development, the school offers a co-ed education for students aged 11-16. Led by Ms Tracey Gibson, the school provides a nurturing environment that encourages academic excellence and personal growth. With a diverse student population and a commitment to inclusivity, St Hild's Church of England School strives to create a supportive community where every student can thrive.

Whitworth Park Academy is a co-ed secondary school in Spennymoor, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, our dedicated staff provide individualized attention to ensure academic success. Our diverse student body of 793 students includes 230% eligible for free school meals and 4.7% receiving SEN support. With a focus on improving academics, we strive for better results, achieving a grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs for 29% of students in 2019. Join us at Whitworth Park Academy, where every student matters.

Bishop Barrington Academy is a co-ed secondary school located in Bishop Auckland, North East. With a strong focus on inclusive education, the school provides a supportive environment for students aged 11-16. Led by Headteacher Mr Grant Sowerby, the academy offers a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to help students thrive. With a diverse student body and dedicated staff, Bishop Barrington Academy is committed to ensuring every student's success.

Egglescliffe School is a co-ed secondary school located in Eaglescliffe, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the school provides a high-quality education for students aged 11-18. The school offers a wide range of courses and has been recognized as a top provider in the area. Additionally, Egglescliffe School focuses on personal growth and offers a comprehensive enrichment program to enhance important soft skills. With a dedicated staff and excellent exam results, the school ensures a smooth transition for students into further education or employment.

St Bede's Catholic Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College is a co-educational secondary school located in Lanchester, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and a strong emphasis on Roman Catholic values, the school provides a supportive learning environment. Despite its lower overall grade, the school has shown improvement in academics and resources. It also offers a sixth form program and has achieved a respectable A-level results percentage. Parents seeking a Catholic education for their children will find St Bede's to be a welcoming and inclusive school.

Tanfield School is a co-ed secondary school located in Stanley, North East. With a focus on academic excellence and supporting students' career aspirations, we uphold values of honesty, integrity, and justice. We prioritize building strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring your child's education is a collaborative effort. Visit us to see why we are proud of our students.