#22 in Best Secondary Schools in Durham
UTC South Durham - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
UTC South Durham
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UTC South Durham
- 2.7 (3 reviews)
- Secondary
- Great Aycliffe DL5 6AP
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Ofsted report
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| The quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth-form provision | Good |
| Previous inspection grade | Good |
Quick insights from ofsted Powered by AI
This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Most make effective progress from low starting points due to focused academic experiences.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils behave well, respectful interactions, and quick addressing of any behavior issues.
Strengths and Challenges: Strong subject knowledge and clear explanations but need improvement in adapting teaching for all pupils, including SEND.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents appreciate the transformative experience UTC has been for their children.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Staff address any behavior that falls below expectations immediately.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders recognize areas of strength and development but need more focused quality assurance systems.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Bullying is not an issue; staff deal with rare instances effectively.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Frequent trips and high engagement in industry-based projects.
Career Counselling Services: Regular engagement with local employers and work placements.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Well prepared for life after education with strong employability skills focus.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Teaching sometimes not adapted sufficiently for SEND pupils to make progress.
Subjects Offered: Range of academic and technical qualifications primarily in STEM subjects.
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About Us
UTC South Durham is a Secondary, Co-Ed school located in County Durham, North East.
It has 419 students from age 14-19 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1.
At this school, 22% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
87.50% of pupils completing their main study programme.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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UTC South Durham
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From the UTC South Durham
Greetings from UTC South Durham, a state-funded, purpose-built technical school and sixth form for students between the ages of 14 and 19. For Year 13 leavers, all of our Year 11 graduates have successful futures in either education, job, or training. Everyone who wanted to has attended college, and all of those who did studied STEM fields. Seven times the national average, more over half of our 18-year-olds have landed higher- or advanced-level apprenticeships. In September 2016, we launched. At our first Ofsted inspection in January 2019 we achieved 'Good' judgments across all categories we are delighted about this as it rare for new schools and shows the strength of core education that underpins the UTC. This focused approach to education is new to the North East of England and employers and parents say that young people leave the UTC with strong workplace skills and a confidence that sets them up for future careers. On our What our parents say page, you may read more. Please stop by to view our magnificent facilities and meet our students in person.
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| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Free Schools | Free Schools |
| Snobe grade |
B-
|
A-
|
| Ofset report | Good | Outstanding |
| Age range | 14-19 | 11-18 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 16.2 | 8.3 |
| Proficient Math | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 22% | 0% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | 6.70% | - |
| Day Fees | - | - |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -1.20 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 33.7 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 22% | 29.65% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 36% | 44% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 0% | 22.49% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 0% | 11.14% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 0% | 15.74% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 2.53 | 2.91 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 89.44% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 99 | 134 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 74% | 79.67% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 19% | 42.56% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 48% | 26.44% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 3% | 3.14% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 3% | 7.56% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 13% | 4.92% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 8% | 4.97% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -1.51 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 35.9 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 20% | 32.63% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 50% | 46.6% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 0% | 19.28% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 0% | 11.67% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 0% | 15.28% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 2.71 | 3.03 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 92% | 85.89% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 116 | 128 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 83% | 79.83% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 27% | 44.89% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 43% | 28.29% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 9% | 3.37% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 3% | 3.43% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 7% | 2.94% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 3% | 3% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -1.15 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 37.3 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 24% 2 | 26% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 53% 8 | 39.28% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 0% | 19.19% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 0% | 8.97% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 0% | 12.61% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 2.82 | 2.5 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | - | 83.79% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | - | 118 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 76.5% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | - | 42.96% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | - | 26.04% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 2.71% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | - | 4.75% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 4.79% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 2.67% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -1.05 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 34.8 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 26% | 25.21% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 45% | 37.27% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 1% | 18.24% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 0% | 8.94% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 0% | 12.76% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 2.81 | 2.39 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | - | 82.23% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | - | 127 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 68.59% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | - | 36.95% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | - | 27.45% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0.91% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 5.05% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 1.91% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 0.95% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | - | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 20.87% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 32.1% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | - | 17.68% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | - | 10.9% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | - | 12.03% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | - | 78.29% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | - | 125 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 50.9% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | - | 35.67% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | - | 25.71% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 2.48% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 2.67% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 5% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 1.95% | 2.45% |
A level exam result
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 21.93 | 27.83 | 30.01 |
| Average grade | D+ | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 20.89 | 28.85 | 29.57 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | D | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 6.70% | 12.93% | 13.67% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 48 | 157 | 201 |
| Students staying in education | 17% | 49.94% | 58.58% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 38% | 10.88% | 6.08% |
| Students entering employment | 23% | 21.94% | 21.16% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 21% | 14.06% | 9.05% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 25.11 | 32.81 | 33.41 |
| Average grade | C- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | 30 | 33.85 | 32.47 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | C | - | - |
| AAB or higher | 0.0% | 20.01% | 17.7% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | 43 | 224 | 248 |
| Students staying in education | 44% | 52.44% | 60.67% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | 26% | 9.31% | 5% |
| Students entering employment | 14% | 21.13% | 17.73% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | 14% | 15.13% | 10.69% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 A level school exam
results were not published at school level.
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 19.78 4 | 28.06 | 29.39 |
| Average grade | D | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | - | 26.26 | 28.64 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | - | - | - |
| AAB or higher | - | 14.87% | 13.07% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 259 | 232 |
| Students staying in education | - | 49.86% | 57.31% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | - | 13.57% | 7.77% |
| Students entering employment | - | 19.36% | 20.99% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 12.79% | 8.8% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | 15.81 | 27.89 | 29.03 |
| Average grade | D- | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | - | 26.72 | 28.82 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | - | - | - |
| AAB or higher | - | 11.61% | 13.37% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 2 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | - | 25.77% | 31.5% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | - | 10.23% | 5.54% |
| Students entering employment | - | 15% | 15.81% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 4.62% | 4.22% |
Explore their results and progress scores, showing how they've grown and achieved during this important stage of their education.
| A level Result | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average points | - | 23.03 | 26.73 |
| Average grade | - | - | - |
| Average points (Best 3) | - | 24.77 | 27.73 |
| Average Grade (Best 3) | - | - | - |
| AAB or higher | - | 11.35% | 12.64% |
Discover where pupils headed after A-levels. Explore who either stayed in education or went into employment.
| Students destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students | - | 2 | 3 |
| Students staying in education | - | 35.25% | 36.26% |
| Students entering apprenticeships | - | 10.92% | 6.37% |
| Students entering employment | - | 19.42% | 20.03% |
| Students not in education or employment for at least two terms after study | - | 11.67% | 4.23% |
Best Schools 2025
UTC South Durham Rankings
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 24th Feb 2025 - 28th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 14th Apr 2025 - 25th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 21st Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 4th Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 23rd Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 1st Mar 2025 - 13th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 26th Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 20th Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
16 : 1
Student teacher ratio at UTC South Durham
Local authority ratio 19 : 1
