Best State Schools in County Durham

Mill Lane Primary School is a good school in Stockton-on-Tees, providing a joyful, secure, and caring environment for children aged 3-11. With a dedicated leadership team and supportive governors, the school ensures most pupils make good progress. The well-designed curriculum and effective teaching methods, especially in reading, enable students to develop positive attitudes towards learning. The school places a high priority on safeguarding and offers effective support for pupils with English as an additional language. While standards of attainment are below national average, the school continues to address areas of improvement, including the progress of White British boys and certain aspects of mathematics teaching.

Corporation Road Community Primary School is a welcoming and inclusive school that prioritizes the holistic development of every student. With a strong focus on academic achievement, the school consistently surpasses national average scores in reading, writing, and mathematics. Students benefit from a diverse and multicultural environment where their individuality and cultural backgrounds are celebrated. The school's dedicated staff and excellent resources ensure that students receive high-quality education and support to reach their full potential.

Bowesfield Primary School is a welcoming and vibrant school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, we provide individualized attention to ensure your child's success. Our dedicated teachers and supportive community create a safe and inclusive environment for learning. With strong academic performance and a focus on personal development, your child will thrive at Bowesfield Primary School.

Ferryhill Station Primary School is a co-educational school located in Ferryhill, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school ensures individual attention and support for every child. The school offers a safe and inclusive environment with excellent resources and diverse opportunities. With a good overall grade from Ofsted, students receive a quality education with a focus on personal development and strong leadership. The school provides a solid foundation for academic achievement, as evident from their above-average scores in maths and reading. With a nurturing and supportive approach, Ferryhill Station Primary School prepares students for future success.

Dean Bank Primary and Nursery School is a well-respected primary school located in Ferryhill, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 18:1 and a focus on personal, social, and emotional development, the school provides a nurturing environment for children aged 2-11. The school has been graded as 'Good' by Ofsted, highlighting the high quality of teaching and learning, strong progress in core subjects, and effective safeguarding measures. Although improvements are still being embedded, the school prioritizes the well-being and academic growth of its students. With dedicated staff and a commitment to providing a holistic education, Dean Bank Primary and Nursery School is an excellent choice for your child's educational journey.

Frederick Nattrass Primary Academy is a co-educational school located in Stockton-on-Tees. With a student teacher ratio of 19:1, the school provides a nurturing environment for children aged 3 to 11 years. The school offers excellent leadership and management, ensuring good outcomes for pupils. With a diverse student body, the academy focuses on providing quality teaching and learning, resulting in good exam results and personal development for all students.

Cotsford Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Horden, North East. With an excellent overall grade of B-, the school maintains a strong sense of moral purpose and demonstrates outstanding leadership and management. Teachers use a wide range of interactive approaches to teaching, closely tracking and reviewing pupils' progress. The school offers a good variety of trips, visits, and visitors, contributing to pupils' wider personal and social development. With effective safeguarding measures in place, parents can trust that their children are provided with a safe and nurturing learning environment.

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.

Eskdale Academy is a primary school located in Hartlepool, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for children aged 3-11. The school's overall grade of 'A' reflects its commitment to academic excellence, while its strong focus on speech and communication support ensures that every child receives the attention they need. With good ratings in areas such as behavior, personal development, and leadership, Eskdale Academy prepares students for success and promotes a thriving learning community.

Framwellgate Moor Primary School is an outstanding school with excellent leadership and a safe environment for students. The school focuses on ensuring pupils make excellent progress in reading and mathematics, with high achievement levels. The outstanding teaching provides challenging work at the right level, and the creative curriculum offers a wide range of exciting activities. With a strong track record of achievement and a dedicated staff, parents can feel confident in choosing Framwellgate Moor Primary School for their child's education.

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.

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.

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.

Rift House Primary School is an inclusive and responsive school that values every student and encourages their development into confident, successful adults. With a dedicated leadership team, engaging curriculum, and effective safeguarding, the school provides a high-quality education. However, improvements are needed in attendance and progress for disadvantaged students. Overall, the school maintains good standards of teaching, behavior, and safety, ensuring a nurturing and stimulating learning environment.

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.

Lynnfield Primary School is a nurturing co-ed primary school located in Hartlepool. With a dedicated headteacher and skilled leadership, the school provides quality education for students aged 2-11. Although there are areas that require improvement, the school excels in early years provision and offers care for all pupils. With improving academic standards and a focus on personal development, Lynnfield Primary School is committed to providing a supportive learning environment for its diverse student body.

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.

Oxbridge Lane Primary School is a well-established and inclusive school in Stockton-on-Tees. With a high student-teacher ratio of 17:1, we prioritize individual attention and support for each child's learning journey. Our diverse student body and dedicated staff create a positive environment for personal development and academic excellence. With an average score of 106 in maths and 103 in reading, our students consistently achieve above-average results. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and aspirational learning environment where every child is valued and supported.

Northwood Primary School is a co-ed primary school located in Darlington, North East. With a strong emphasis on technological skills, the school provides an outstanding early years provision and has passionate staff who are committed to excellence. The school boasts an exceptional leadership team, skilled governors, and a strong safeguarding culture. While some areas can be improved, the school overall achieves good outcomes for pupils and fosters a respectful and safe learning environment.