Top 20 Schools in County Durham

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.

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.

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.

English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College is a co-ed Roman Catholic secondary school located in Hartlepool, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and a strong emphasis on personal development, the school provides a supportive learning environment for students aged 11-18. Despite requiring improvement in some areas, the school's sixth-form provision is rated as good, and exam results show a 45% achievement of grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs. With a dedication to academic excellence and a focus on overall student growth, English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College is a reputable choice for parents seeking a well-rounded education for their children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

St Michael's Catholic Academy is a secondary school in Billingham, North East. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, our dedicated staff provide a safe and nurturing environment for students aged 11-16. Our academically focused curriculum, complemented by our commitment to personal development and strong Catholic values, ensures that each student achieves their very best. With a Good overall rating from Ofsted and a focus on restorative justice, St Michael's Catholic Academy is the ideal choice for parents seeking a Christ-centered education.

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.

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.

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.

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.