North Durham Academy
Stanley, DH9 0TW · County Durham · secondary school
Check the area around this school
25th of 30 secondary schools in County Durham we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 3.0/10 against 328 of them, against 1.5/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.83 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 27.2 · 10 | 30% | 0.31 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.43 · 19 | 25% | 0.48 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.9 · 19 | 10% | 0.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
North Durham Academy overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, last inspected in 2022-09. In 2024/25, 31.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.43 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally similar peers. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Magic of the Musicals Gala.
Getting in
The published school roll is 935 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,700. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the school ensure consistent teaching quality following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about North Durham Academy
Overview
North Durham Academy has improved substantially since its previous inspection, with leaders driving an "ambitious and engaging curriculum" that meets pupil needs. The school fosters a calm learning environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed, resulting in improved behaviour and attendance.
Strengths
- Leaders have established a "broad and balanced" curriculum, with English, mathematics, science, and history being "well thought out" through collaborative planning.
- Staff use effective teaching strategies, such as breaking down vocabulary and selecting tasks that help pupils "recall previous learning" to "cement knowledge in your memory".
- Reading is prioritised across the curriculum, with targeted support including phonics and one-to-one help for those at early stages.
- Personal development is strengthened through a coordinated approach in tutor sessions and assemblies, alongside comprehensive careers guidance meeting the Baker Clause requirements.
- The pastoral team has successfully reduced suspensions and improved regular attendance, while pupils report that bullying incidents are dealt with effectively.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure they "continue to embed well-planned curriculums in all subject areas," as some rely too heavily on experienced staff rather than structured planning.
- Leaders should monitor and review recent changes to SEND provision to ensure pupils consistently learn and remember important knowledge, as current impact is sometimes weaker.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with diligent checks on staff and visitors, regular training updates, and strong collaboration with external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.8 |
| 2024/25 | 39.8 |
| 2025/26 | 39.9 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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