Best Secondary Schools in Durham

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Framwellgate School Durham is a co-educational secondary school located in Framwellgate Moor, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and a strong focus on personal development and behavior, the school provides a safe and supportive learning environment. Offering a sixth-form provision and achieving a Good rating from Ofsted, the school ensures quality education and prepares students for future success. With exam results showing 52% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSEs, Framwellgate School Durham prioritizes academic excellence.

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.

Staindrop Academy is a secondary school located in Staindrop, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, our co-ed school provides a nurturing learning environment for students aged 11-16. Our dedicated staff, led by Mrs Sarah Mitchinson, strive to deliver a good quality education, fostering good behavior, personal development, and strong leadership. With an overall grade of B-, Staindrop Academy focuses on academic growth while providing a safe and resourceful environment. Our 2019 exam results showed that 46% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs, with an EBacc average point score of 3.63. We are proud to have 85% of our students eligible for free school meals, ensuring inclusivity for all.

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.

Consett Academy is a secondary school located in Durham, North East. With a focus on academic potential and personal development, the school aims to nurture remarkable, resilient, and self-assured young individuals. The dedicated staff and supportive parents work together to help students achieve their goals. The school offers a safe and inclusive learning environment with a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. With good behavior and attitudes, the school promotes tolerance and responsibility. Although the overall effectiveness and leadership require improvement, the school's previous inspection grade was good. Consett Academy provides a sixth-form provision with a good track record. Exam results boast a 31% achievement of grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs and 7.4% achieving AAB or higher in A-levels. With a strong emphasis on student support, Consett Academy strives to inspire achievement in its exceptional educational community.

Park View School is a secondary school located in Durham, North East. With a student teacher ratio of 26:1, the school provides a co-ed learning environment for students aged 11-18. Offering a comprehensive education, Park View School focuses on academic achievement with 41% of students achieving Grade 5 or above in English & maths GCSEs. The school also has a good track record in personal development and sixth-form provision, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. Although the school requires improvement in certain areas, it prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and provides ample resources to support their learning journey.

Hope Wood Academy is an all-through school located in Easington Colliery, North East. With an exceptional student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment for students aged 2-19. Led by highly effective leaders, the school focuses on quality teaching and learning, outstanding behavior, and welfare. Although opportunities to challenge the most able pupils are sometimes missed, the school offers a well-planned and structured curriculum. Overall, Hope Wood Academy is a good school that prioritizes personal development and ensures the safety and success of its students.

Durham Trinity School & Sports College is an all-through school located in Durham, North East. With a student teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides individualized attention to each student. The school offers a safe and nurturing environment with excellent resources. It has been rated 'Good' by Ofsted, demonstrating effective leadership, teaching, and personal development. With a focus on sports and academic achievement, Durham Trinity prepares students for success in their educational journey.