Grammar schools in County Durham
There are no grammar schools in County Durham.
Grammar schools are state secondaries that select by ability, usually through an 11+ test. Only 47 of the 226 local authorities in the UK still have any — County Durham is one of the majority that does not, so local state secondaries admit without a selective test.
The nearest is Ripon Grammar School, about 42.3 miles away in North Yorkshire. Most grammar schools accept out-of-area applicants, though distance is often a tie-breaker when a school is oversubscribed.
Nearest grammar schools to County Durham
Straight-line distance from the centre of County Durham — not a travel time.
| School | Area | Distance | Intake | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ripon Grammar School | Ripon | 42.3 miles | Mixed | Good |
| Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith | Penrith | 45.9 miles | Mixed | Good |
| Ermysted's Grammar School | Skipton | 56.7 miles | Boys | Good |
| Skipton Girls' High School | Skipton | 56.7 miles | Girls | Good |
| Lancaster Royal Grammar School | Lancaster | 67.7 miles | Mixed | Good |
| Clitheroe Royal Grammar School | Clitheroe | 68.0 miles | Mixed | Outstanding |
Schools in County Durham
County Durham has open schools. Browse all County Durham schools with Ofsted ratings, catchment areas and admission criteria, or see them on the map.
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT