The Academy at Shotton Hall
Peterlee, SR8 1AU · County Durham · secondary school
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2nd 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 — 9.4/10 against 666 of them, against 8.2/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 56.4 · 76 | 30% | 2.28 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.58 · 87 | 25% | 2.18 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.0 · 85 | 10% | 0.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Academy at Shotton Hall overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in September 2024. In 2024/25, 52.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 52.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.58 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join senior, Year 7, and Year 8 drama clubs, choir, concert band, string band, rock band, and backstage club. Sports include girls' and boys' rugby, dodgeball, netball, basketball, football, table tennis, and golf. Arts and music options feature dance performance, cheerleading, a newspaper club, and an art competition club. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,202 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,150. 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
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress
What Ofsted said about The Academy at Shotton Hall
Overview
The Academy at Shotton Hall is described as a "happy, safe and successful school" where pupils receive an "exceptional education." Leaders and governors are united in their commitment to providing high standards, resulting in outcomes that are consistently higher than national and regional averages.
Strengths
- Pupils are "highly motivated" and achieve "exceptional outcomes in public examinations" through precisely planned lessons.
- "Provision to support pupils’ reading is a significant strength," with swift interventions helping to close gaps in ability.
- Behaviour is "impeccable," with pupils showing "high levels of respect" and self-control, leading to high attendance.
- The curriculum is "skilfully linked to citizenship," empowering pupils to become "confident, articulate and kind."
- Staff enjoy "high-quality and bespoke professional development" and are "effusive about working in the school."
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 51.7 |
| 2024/25 | 52.2 |
| 2025/26 | 55.0 |
| 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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