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Schools in County Durham

A council (local authority) in the North East

  • Council
  • 372 schools and nurseries
  • 72,212 pupils
  • 19 towns and villages

In short: Most primary schools here are rated Good or better, about the same as across England. Results at 11 are close to England, and results at 16 were close to England in 2026. Missing school is a bigger problem than across England.

Three children with backpacks crossing a street
A red-brick school building under a blue sky
19 towns

County Durham at a glance

Behind England on attendance

How County Durham's schools compare with England, area by area.

DfE and Ofsted data, 2014 to 2026How we work this out
  • Schools and nurseries372208 primary · 30 secondary · 109 nurseries
  • Primaries Good or better96%England 96%
  • Met the standard at 1162%England 62%
  • Grade 5 in English and maths43%Attainment 8 44.9, England 46.2
  • Free school meals, primary34%A sign of family income
  • Missed a lot of school19%England 18%
Top-rated

The highest-rated schools in County Durham

Primary and secondary schools are ranked by Eduscope score, which weighs up results, inspections, attendance and more. Nurseries, special and independent schools aren't ranked. A high score isn't everything: always visit.

All County Durham primary schools

Top Primary Schools in County Durham

208 mainstream schools in County Durham, best first

Framwellgate Moor Primary School

Durham, DH1 5BG · State · Primary · Ages 2 to 11

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

48 first choices, 43 offers made

Met the standard at 1187%

England 62%

Days missed
4.3%
Pupils
375
Pupils per teacher
21.5
View school Framwellgate Moor Primary School
See all 222 primary schools

Top Secondary Schools in County Durham

30 mainstream schools in County Durham, best first

Teesdale School and Sixth Form

Barnard Castle, DL12 8HH · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

94 first choices, 99 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1657.0

England 46.2

Days missed
7.9%
Pupils
684
Pupils per teacher
17.5
View school Teesdale School and Sixth Form
See all 49 secondary schools

Nurseries in County Durham

109 in County Durham, highest Ofsted grade first

Beechdale Nursery School

Consett, DH8 6AY · State · Nursery · Ages 3 to 5

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

No published results yet.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
61
Pupils per teacher
25.8
View school Beechdale Nursery School
See all 109 nurseries

Sixth Forms in County Durham

19 in County Durham, by the school's Eduscope score

Teesdale School and Sixth Form

Barnard Castle, DL12 8HH · Academy · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Results well above the England average.

94 first choices, 99 offers made

Attainment 8 at 1657.0

England 46.2

Days missed
7.9%
Pupils
684
Pupils per teacher
17.5
View school Teesdale School and Sixth Form
See all 19 sixth forms

Special Schools in County Durham

17 in County Durham. Eduscope doesn't rank these.

The Grange Learning Centre

Low Willington, DL15 0TY · Independent · All-through · Ages 7 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
16
Pupils per teacher
–
View school The Grange Learning Centre

The Oaks Secondary School

Spennymoor, DL16 7DB · Special · Secondary · Ages 11 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
8.0%
Pupils
349
Pupils per teacher
9.0
View school The Oaks Secondary School
See all 17 special schools

Private Schools in County Durham

11 in County Durham. Eduscope doesn't rank these.

The Grange Learning Centre

Low Willington, DL15 0TY · Independent · All-through · Ages 7 to 19

  • Ofsted:Outstanding

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
16
Pupils per teacher
–
View school The Grange Learning Centre

Forest Park School

Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XP · Independent · Secondary · Ages 11 to 17

  • Ofsted:Good

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
33
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Forest Park School

Highcroft School

Bishop Auckland, DL13 5AG · Independent · Secondary · Ages 11 to 18

  • Ofsted:Good

Specialist provision. Results aren't published in the same way.

Results

Not published for this kind of school.

Days missed
–
Pupils
13
Pupils per teacher
–
View school Highcroft School
See all 11 private schools
The map

Every school in County Durham, on one map

Each dot is a school or nursery, coloured by its latest Ofsted grade. Point at a dot to see its name, or use the list.

See them as a list
Show
Oxhill Nursery School, Good in every areaAclet Close Nursery School, Strong standard in every areaWingate Community Nursery School, Exceptional in every areaEtherley Lane Nursery School, GoodSeaham Harbour Nursery School, OutstandingLangley Moor Nursery School, OutstandingBeechdale Nursery School, OutstandingHorden Nursery School, OutstandingRosemary Lane Nursery School, Strong standard in every areaTudhoe Moor Nursery School, GoodThe Woodlands, GoodRopery Walk Primary School, GoodWestlea Primary School, GoodLumley Junior School, GoodLumley Infant and Nursery School, GoodWest Pelton Primary School, GoodNettlesworth Primary School, GoodRed Rose Primary School, GoodCestria Primary School, GoodBournmoor Primary School, GoodCotherstone Primary School, GoodStanley Burnside Primary School, Needs attention in 4 areasBurnopfield Primary School, Expected standard or betterShotley Bridge Primary School, GoodLeadgate Primary School - Split Site, GoodBenfieldside Primary School, GoodThe Grove Primary School, GoodDelves Lane Primary School, Needs attention in 5 areasConsett Junior School, GoodConsett Infant School, GoodHamsterley Primary School, Requires improvement in 1 areaTow Law Millennium Primary School, GoodCrook Primary School, GoodSunnybrow Primary School, Good in every areaStanley (Crook) Primary School, GoodFrosterley Primary School, GoodSt John's Chapel Primary School, GoodWearhead Primary School, GoodWolsingham Primary School, Needs attention in 2 areasWillington Primary School, GoodOakley Cross Primary School and Nursery, GoodByers Green Primary School, Good in every areaKirk Merrington Primary School, OutstandingCassop Primary School, GoodFerryhill Station Primary School, Urgent improvement in 2 areasWest Cornforth Primary School, Good in every areaCoxhoe Primary School, Expected standard or betterDean Bank Primary and Nursery School, Requires improvementSpringmoor Grange School, GoodBroom Cottages Primary & Nursery School, GoodEtherley Lane Primary School, GoodRamshaw Primary School, GoodButterknowle Primary School, Needs attention in 2 areasEscomb Primary School, Expected standard in every areaToft Hill Primary School, Good or betterThornhill Primary School, OutstandingWoodland Primary School, GoodCockton Hill Junior School, Needs attention in 2 areasCockton Hill Infant School, GoodTimothy Hackworth Primary School, GoodCockfield Primary School, GoodMontalbo Nursery & Primary School, OutstandingLangley Moor Primary School, Expected standard or betterWitton Gilbert Primary School, GoodLudworth Primary School, GoodPittington Primary School, GoodSherburn Primary School, GoodWest Rainton Primary School, GoodBearpark Primary School, GoodNeville's Cross Primary School and Nursery, GoodDurham Newton Hall Infants' School, Good in every areaBelmont Cheveley Park Primary School, GoodLaurel Avenue Community Primary School, GoodHesleden Primary School, Needs attention in 6 areasWheatley Hill Community Primary School, GoodCotsford Primary School, GoodShotton Primary School, GoodAcre Rigg Infant School, Expected standard or betterSedgefield Primary School, GoodByerley Park Primary School, Expected standard or betterYohden Primary School, GoodHowletch Lane Primary School, Requires improvement in 1 areaBlackhall Primary School, GoodSugar Hill Primary School, Good or betterRoseberry Primary and Nursery School, GoodBullion Lane Primary School, GoodEasington Colliery Primary School, GoodDurham Gilesgate Primary School, GoodChester-Le-Street CofE (Controlled) Primary School, Needs attention in 1 areaEbchester CofE Primary School, GoodSt Stephen's Church of England Primary School, GoodSt Anne's CofE Primary School, GoodStaindrop CofE (Controlled) Primary School, GoodBelmont CofE (Controlled) Primary School, Expected standard or betterSt Oswald's Church of England Aided Primary and Nursery School, GoodShincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School, Expected standard or betterSt Margaret's Church of England Primary School, Expected standard or betterBowes Hutchinson's CofE (Aided) School, Expected standard in every areaSt Francis Horndale CofE Primary School, GoodBlue Coat CofE (Aided) Junior School, GoodSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Murton, GoodSt John's Church of England Aided Primary School, Shildon, GoodBelmont Community School, GoodDurham Johnston Comprehensive School, Good or betterDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation, InspectedBarnard Castle School, InspectedElemore Hall School, GoodCroft Community School, Needs attention in 3 areasWalworth School, GoodVilla Real School, GoodDurham Trinity School & Sports College, GoodSilver Tree Primary School and Nursery, GoodSeaview Primary School, GoodFinchale Primary School, GoodFramwellgate Moor Primary School, OutstandingKing Street Primary School, GoodLanchester Endowed Parochial Primary School, GoodNewker Primary School, Good in every areaTanfield Lea Community Primary School, Expected standard or betterThornbeck College - North East Autism Society, GoodNorth Park Primary School, GoodSeascape Primary School, Urgent improvement in 5 areasSeaham Trinity Primary School, GoodThe Oaks Secondary School, OutstandingEvergreen Primary School, GoodThe Grange Learning Centre, OutstandingShotton Hall Primary School, GoodThe Academy at Shotton Hall, OutstandingNorth Durham Academy, GoodHighcroft School, GoodKing James I Academy Bishop Auckland, Expected standard or betterPark View School, Good or betterConsett Academy, GoodFramwellgate School Durham, Requires improvement in 2 areasSt John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College, GoodParkside Academy, GoodEasington Academy, Good or betterSt Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester, Expected standard in every areaAcre Rigg Academy, GoodVictoria Lane Academy, GoodTudhoe Colliery Primary School, Good or betterStephenson Way Academy and Nursery School, GoodRibbon School, GoodWoodham Academy, GoodHope Wood Academy, GoodNew Seaham Academy, GoodNorth East Centre for Autism - Aycliffe School, Expected standard in every areaCleves Cross Primary and Nursery School Academy, Good or betterBrowney Primary Academy, GoodEndeavour Academy Durham, GoodRosa Street Primary and Nursery Academy, GoodShield Row Primary School, GoodSouth Hetton Primary, GoodDene House Primary School, Expected standard or betterDelta Independent School, InspectedUTC South Durham, GoodSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School, GoodSt Leonard's Catholic School, Durham, Outstanding in every areaSouth Stanley Infant and Nursery School, GoodGreenland Community Primary School, GoodTeesdale School and Sixth Form, OutstandingOuston Primary School, Expected standard or betterThe Independent Grammar School:Durham, GoodSacriston Academy, Expected standard or betterStaindrop Academy, Expected standard or betterSouth Stanley Junior School, GoodFerryhill School, GoodHartside Primary Academy, GoodWhitworth Park Academy, GoodChilton Academy, GoodBloemfontein Primary School, GoodOur Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, GoodDene Academy, GoodSt William's Catholic Primary School, GoodBishop Ian Ramsey CofE Primary School, GoodHermitage Academy, GoodSedgefield Community College, Strong standard in every areaSeaham High School, GoodIngleton CofE Primary School, GoodStanhope Barrington CofE Primary School, Good in every areaTanfield School, Good or betterSt Godrics Catholic Primary School, Thornley, GoodSt Marys Catholic Primary School, Wingate, GoodWolsingham School, GoodBluebell Meadow Primary School, GoodSt Bede's Catholic Primary School, Sacriston, GoodOur Lady & St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Ushaw Moor, Expected standard in every areaSt Godric's Catholic Primary School, Durham, GoodSt Benet's Catholic Primary School, Ouston, Good or betterSt Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Chester-Le-Street, GoodSt Michael's Catholic Primary School, Esh Village, GoodSt Chad's Catholic Primary School, Witton Park, GoodEsh CofE (Aided) Primary School, Expected standard or betterSt Bede's Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College, GoodSt Joseph's Catholic Primary, Stanley, GoodSt Mary's Catholic Primary School, Blackhill, GoodAnnfield Plain Junior School, GoodAnnfield Plain Infant School, GoodEast Stanley School, GoodAll Saints' Catholic Primary School, Lanchester, GoodSt Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Dipton, GoodSt Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Seaham, GoodOur Lady and St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willington, GoodSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Coundon, Requires improvementSt Charles' Catholic Primary School, Tudhoe, GoodSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Gilesgate, GoodSt Thomas More Primary School, Belmont, GoodBishop Barrington Academy, GoodOur Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Shotton, GoodSt Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blackhall, GoodSt Pius Xth Catholic Primary School, Consett, Good in every areaOur Lady and St Joseph Brooms Catholic Primary School, Leadgate, Good in every areaSt Mary's Catholic Primary School, South Moor, GoodHowden-le-Wear Primary School, Good or betterEvenwood Church of England Primary School, GoodSt Michael's Church of England Primary School, OutstandingBrandon Primary Academy, Good in every areaLangley Park Primary School, Requires improvementSt Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Consett, GoodSt Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School, Bishop Auckland, GoodBlessed John Duckett Catholic Primary School, Tow Law, Good or betterMoorside Primary Academy, GoodNew Brancepeth Primary Academy, Good or betterSt Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Crook, GoodSt Mary's Catholic Primary School, Newton Aycliffe, Good in every areaSt Mary's Catholic Primary School, Barnard Castle, GoodSt Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Langley Moor, Good or betterBurnhope Primary School, GoodSt Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School, GoodSedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy, OutstandingLearning for Life, GoodDurham Academy, Needs attention in 1 areaMiddleton-In-Teesdale Academy, InadequateWitton-le-Wear Primary School, Good or betterMiddlestone Moor Academy, Needs attention in 1 areaCollierley Nursery and Primary School, Expected standard in every areaEasington CofE Primary School, Expected standard or betterWoodham Burn Community Primary School and Nursery, Requires improvementVane Road Primary School, Expected standard in every areaWellfield School, Expected standard in every areaGreen Lane Church of England Primary School, GoodGreenfield Academy, Requires improvementDurham Sixth Form Centre, OutstandingKelloe Primary School, GoodDeaf Hill Primary School, GoodSt Helen Auckland Community Primary School, GoodBeamish Primary School, GoodCastleside Primary School, GoodPelton Community Primary School, GoodCatchgate Primary School, GoodForest Park School, GoodPeases West Academy, GoodSt Hild's College Church of England Primary School, Durham, GoodFishburn Primary School, Requires improvementOpen Air Education, GoodEsh Winning Academy, GoodThornley Academy, GoodSt Andrew's Academy, GoodGainford Church of England Primary School and Preschool, GoodEdmondsley Primary Academy, GoodAycliffe Village Primary and Nursery School, GoodWoodlea Primary School, GoodHunwick Primary School, GoodWoodhouse Primary Academy, Requires improvementPrince Bishops Community Primary School, GoodCopeland Road Primary School, Requires improvement in 2 areasNorman Cornish Academy, Requires improvementTrimdon Hill SchoolStrawberry LaneWingate Primary School, GoodOur Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, Inadequate in 3 areasBowburn Primary School, GoodHutton Henry CofE (Controlled) Primary School, GoodShildon Early Years, Needs attention in 1 areaShotley Bridge Nursery School Limited, GoodFlowerpots, GoodWitton Gilbert Nursery, GoodBuddies Nursery, GoodPlayology Beach School & Learning Studio, OutstandingAdventure Valley Day Nursery, GoodEmeralds Little Gems Daycare - Stanley House, GoodNellie's Day Nursery, Safeguarding not metSt Oswald's Pre-School, OutstandingEmeralds Little Gems Daycare - Crook, GoodThe Sunshine Nursery, OutstandingHazel Dene Childcare Ltd, GoodMains House Nursery, OutstandingHouse of Eden, GoodHippitots Limited, GoodCoundon and Leeholme Early Years Centre, GoodKirklands at Startforth, OutstandingNew Beginnings (Moorside), GoodClever Clogs Day Nursery Durham, OutstandingBrandon Happytimes Daycare, GoodStepping Stones Day Nursery Durham Ltd, GoodJack in the Box Day Care, GoodThe Sunshine Day Nursery, GoodCastle View Private Day Nursery, GoodDawn Till Dusk Childcare, GoodPixley Dell Nursery, GoodHaystacks Nursery, GoodHowletch & Shotton Primary Childcare, GoodBright Star Nursery, GoodEmeralds Little Gems Daycare - Stanley Centre, GoodKirk Merrington Pre-School, GoodByerley Road Preschool, GoodShotton Children's Centre, GoodTilly-Mints Cherubs Day Nursery Ltd, GoodRainbow Nursery, GoodThe Louisa Centre Nursery, OutstandingHouse of Eden, GoodThe Laurels Child Care, OutstandingCastle Kindergarten, GoodRibbon Daycare, OutstandingPositive Steps Nursery, GoodAycliffe Day Nursery, GoodYork House Nursery, GoodDean Bank Early Years, GoodHappy Smiles, GoodBig Hands Little Hands Nursery School, GoodShining Stars Nursery, GoodLittle Stars Nursery, GoodKidzone, GoodKids 1st - Durham, GoodBusy Bears (Durham) Ltd, GoodGreen Lane Nursery and Childcare Centre, Expected standard or betterExplorers Day Care Limited, OutstandingDurham University Day Nursery, OutstandingCraghead Childcare Centre, GoodWoodlands Day Nursery, GoodFirst Steps, OutstandingKidz Village Nursery & Pre-School, GoodWingate Community Childcare Ltd, OutstandingTrimdon's Little Tykes Ltd, GoodLittle Acorns (North East) Ltd., Needs attention in 5 areasSeaham Kindergarten, OutstandingTots 'R' Us Nursery, OutstandingLittle Cubs Days Nursery, GoodPlaydays Nursery, GoodKelloe Phoenix Centre, GoodKids Planet Durham, GoodLittle Waves Day Nursery, GoodThe Sunshine Day Nursery @ Seascape Children's Centre, GoodLittle Meadows Nursery, GoodFranklin House Children's NurseryNurserytime, GoodWheatley Hill Community Nursery Ltd, GoodYellow Wellies, GoodCastle Kindergarten, GoodRibbon Daycare Fishburn, Expected standard in every areaEden Garden Nursery, GoodBusy Bees (Durham) Ltd, GoodSelby Cottage Childcare Centre, OutstandingDaybreak Nursery, GoodYellow Wellies, GoodChilton Happytimes Daycare, GoodTiny Tinkers Nursery, GoodChester le Street CE DaycareSt Hild's Bright BeginningsWingate Childcare in NatureBloemfontein NurseryPlayology Forest School Castle Eden Dene, Strong standard in every areaDream Big Nursery SchoolHarbour View KindergartenWestfield House NurseryYour Co-Op Little Pioneers Nursery and Pre-School SeahamWheatley Hill Community NurseryBaby AcornsTudhoe Moor Nursery Pre-SchoolLittle WingsConkers Life Kindergarten
  • Outstanding31
  • Good235
  • Requires improvement8
  • Inadequate1
  • Not graded yet96
Your council

How school places work in County Durham

Apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another council's area. Independent schools take applications directly.

About County Durham

County Durham is a unitary authority in the North East with 208 mainstream primary schools and 30 mainstream secondary schools. Towns with the most schools include Durham, Newton Aycliffe and Consett. Most families get the secondary school they want: 94.2% got their first choice, against 83.6% across England.

Good to know in County Durham

  • Durham uses an online Parent Portal for school admissions. Source

From County Durham council's website, checked 7 November 2026. Check the council's pages before you apply.

Key dates each year

31 October
Secondary school applications close
15 January
Primary school applications close
1 March
Secondary school offers
16 April
Primary school offers

If a date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, offers go out the next working day.

97.3%got their first-choice primary school in County Durham in 2026. England: 92.4%. Ranked 8 of 151 councils. 99.4% got one of their top three.2.2% were offered a primary school in another council. England: 3.6%.

94.2%got their first-choice secondary school in County Durham in 2026. England: 83.6%. Ranked 15 of 151 councils. 98.5% got one of their top three.2.8% were offered a secondary school in another council. England: 8.0%.

Source: DfE applications and offers, 2026. A low rate shows high demand, not poor schools.

5 of 25 primary appeals heard in County Durham succeeded in 2025. 15 of 66 secondary appeals heard in County Durham succeeded in 2025.

Term dates 2026 to 2027

TermStartsHalf termEnds
Autumn1 SeptBreaks up 23 Oct, back 2 Nov18 Dec
Spring4 JanBreaks up 12 Feb, back 22 Feb25 Mar
Summer12 AprBreaks up 28 May, back 7 Jun21 Jul

For schools that follow the council's dates. Academies, faith and foundation schools can set their own, and schools add training days. Source, checked 6 November 2026.

Nearby councils

By age

What's on offer for each age

Pick a stage to see every County Durham school for that age, with filters for type, faith and Ofsted grade.

More ways to narrow it down

Here's how County Durham's schools break down by type, faith and more.

Towns

Schools in each part of County Durham

The blue bar is the average Eduscope score of the primary schools in each town. The black line is the County Durham average, 47.

Browse County Durham by postcode

Some areas, like parts of a bigger town, are easiest to find by postcode.

County Durham vs England

How good are County Durham's schools?

Inspections, exam results and attendance, next to the figure for England where we have it.

Numbers that sum up County Durham

County DurhamEngland

  • Primaries rated Good or Outstanding

    Latest Ofsted grade, 155 primaries with one.

    96%

    England 96%

    Close to England

  • Secondaries rated Good or Outstanding

    17 of the 18 with a grade.

    94%

    England 93%

    Close to England

  • Met the expected standard at 11

    Reading, writing and maths.

    62%

    England 62%

    Close to England

  • Grade 5 or above in English and maths

    At GCSE.

    43%

  • Pupils who miss a lot of school

    Missed 1 in 10 days or more. Lower is better.

    19%

    England 18%

    Worse than England

  • Primary pupils on free school meals

    A sign of family income, not of school quality.

    34%

Ofsted grades

Latest graded inspection for the 197 schools that have one.

95%

Good or Outstanding

Each square is 1% of schools.

  • Outstanding15
  • Good173
  • Requires improvement8
  • Inadequate1

How it has changed

County Durham in blue. There were no tests in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid.

Met the expected standard at 11
Covid gap50%65%80%20182019202320242025
62% in 2025. England now 62% (dashed line).
Grade 5 or above in English and maths
30%45%60%201820192020202120222023202420252026
43% in 2026.
Pupils who miss a lot of school
Covid gap0%20%40%20142015201620172018201920212022202320242025
19% in 2025. England now 18% (dashed line).

The figures in full

The latest published year for each measure. Sources and years are on our data sources page.

MeasureCounty DurhamEngland
Good or Outstanding (Ofsted)95%95%
Met the expected standard at 11 (KS2)62%62%
Attainment 844.946.2
Persistent absence19%18%
Pupils per teacher17.6:117.9:1
Spending per pupil£8,721£8,120
In education or work after 1690%91%
Went on to higher education56%56%
Pupils with special educational needs22%21%
Pupils with English as an additional language5%22%
Pupils on free school meals33%27%

DfE local authority code 840, ONS code E06000047.

Living here

What it's like for families

County Durham has 372 schools and nurseries across 19 towns and villages, the biggest being Durham, Newton Aycliffe, Consett and Bishop Auckland.

There are 2% more pupils than in 2018.

34% of primary pupils here get free school meals. Schools get extra money for each of them.

Pupil numbers

Pupils in County Durham's state schools each January.

Up 2% since 2018. More children can mean popular schools fill up faster.

Free school meals

Out of every 10 primary pupils, how many get free school meals. It's a sign of family income, not of school quality.

County Durham34%

Keep up with schools in County Durham

Follow any school and we'll email you when it gets a new Ofsted report or new results are out. Nothing else.

Find a school to follow
Questions

Questions parents ask about County Durham

How many schools are in County Durham?

County Durham has 372 schools, including 222 primary schools, 49 secondary schools, 109 nurseries, 11 independent schools, 17 special schools. Some count in more than one group. You can browse each category using the filters on Eduscope.

What are the best schools in County Durham?

The highest-ranked schools in County Durham on Eduscope are Framwellgate Moor Primary School, St Margaret's Church of England Primary School, Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy. We rank each state school against schools of the same phase across England on its Ofsted inspection, results and attendance. Independent, special and nursery schools aren't ranked.

What percentage of schools in County Durham are rated Good or Outstanding?

95% of inspected schools in County Durham hold a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating, which is above the England average of 94.8%. This includes 15 schools rated Outstanding and 173 rated Good.

How do primary schools in County Durham perform at Key Stage 2?

Across primary schools in County Durham, 62% of pupils meet the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths at Key Stage 2. This is based on the latest published results from the Department for Education.

What is the average pupil-teacher ratio in County Durham?

The average pupil-teacher ratio across schools in County Durham is 17.6:1. While not a direct measure of class size, this indicates the level of teaching resource available per pupil. Across England it is 17.9:1.

What is the persistent absence rate in County Durham schools?

The persistent absence rate across schools in County Durham is 19.4%. A pupil is classed as persistently absent if they miss 10% or more of school sessions. Across England it is 18.1%.

How many pupils attend schools in County Durham?

There are 72,212 pupils enrolled across schools in County Durham, with 39,565 in primary and 30,100 in secondary. 33.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals.

How many private schools are in County Durham?

There are 11 independent schools in County Durham. Fees vary by school and age group, with day school fees typically ranging from £10,000 to £20,000 per year. You can compare all private schools in County Durham on Eduscope, including ISI inspection ratings where available.

How do I choose the right school in County Durham?

Start by considering your child's age, your location, and whether you prefer a state or independent school. Use Eduscope to compare 372 schools in County Durham by Ofsted ratings, exam results, and distance. Filter by school type, gender, religious character, and admissions policy to narrow your options.

Sources: DfE school performance tables, DfE school census and workforce, DfE pupil absence, Ofsted. Photos are stand-ins.

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