Parkside Academy
Crook, DL15 0QF · County Durham · secondary school
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17th 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 — 6.4/10 against 474 of them, against 4.2/10 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% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 40.4 · 38 | 30% | 1.16 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.01 · 51 | 25% | 1.28 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.0 · 29 | 10% | 0.29 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Parkside Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.01 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join STEAM, Maths, and Brilliant Clubs, or participate in the Durham Youth Council and Valued Voice. Sports include football, cricket, athletics, handball, rounders, and multi-skills. Arts activities feature The Great European Bake Off. Trips include geography fieldwork, theatre visits, ski trips to Italy, and Disneyland Paris. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 833 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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 maintain the progress seen in the similar-intake comparison? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Attainment 8
What Ofsted said about Parkside Academy
Overview
Parkside Academy is described as a "calm and purposeful place" where pupils benefit from "warm and positive relationships" with staff. The school provides an "ambitious curriculum" with high expectations for behaviour, resulting in pupils who are "happy and safe" and knowledgeable about the world around them.
Strengths
- Staff build strong relationships, ensuring pupils feel like "valued members of the community."
- The curriculum is carefully sequenced, with teachers using "strong subject knowledge" to provide clear explanations and support pupils with special educational needs.
- Leaders prioritise reading, offering "phonics intervention" and strategies to encourage pupils to "read widely and for pleasure."
- Personal development is embedded throughout the school, with pupils participating in activities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and learning about "online safety" and healthy relationships.
- Staff feel "proud to work in the school" and value the professional development and well-being initiatives provided by the trust.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the curriculum better helps pupils to "build and apply a deep body of knowledge," as some struggle to link different elements together for advanced learning.
- Leaders should intensify actions to increase pupils’ engagement in personal development activities, as "many students do not make best use" of the opportunities provided.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.6 |
| 2024/25 | 46.9 |
| 2025/26 | 42.0 |
| 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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