Best Schools in County Durham 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 253 schools and nurseries in County Durham — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
County Durham is a large unitary authority in North East England with 253 schools — one of the biggest school networks in the region. The county covers Durham city, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Stanley, Seaham and many rural villages. Durham city schools benefit from the university's cultural influence.
County Durham at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in County Durham
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montalbo Nursery & Primary School | County Durham | Outstanding | 100% | — | — |
| Thornhill Primary School | County Durham | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Cestria Primary School | County Durham | Good | 93% | — | — |
| Shincliffe CofE (Controlled) Primary School | County Durham | Good | 93% | — | — |
| Evenwood Church of England Primary School | County Durham | Good | 92% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in County Durham
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanfield School | County Durham | Good | +0.83 | 71% | 43% |
| St Leonard's Catholic School, Durham | County Durham | Outstanding | +0.64 | 83% | 23% |
| The Academy at Shotton Hall | County Durham | Outstanding | +0.58 | 76% | 53% |
| Sedgefield Community College | County Durham | Outstanding | +0.36 | 70% | 54% |
| Dene Academy | County Durham | Good | +0.33 | 56% | 30% |
Admissions in County Durham — Key Dates
Durham County Council coordinates admissions across this large area. With 253 schools, most families have several options within reasonable distance. Some schools in Durham city are significantly oversubscribed.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in County Durham?
Durham Johnston Comprehensive, St Leonard's Catholic School and Framwellgate School Durham are top-performing secondaries in the city. Sedgefield Community College and Teesdale School serve the rural areas well.
How many schools are in County Durham?
County Durham has 253 schools, making it one of the largest education authorities in the North East. Schools range from small rural primaries to large urban secondaries.
Is Durham city good for schools?
Yes. Durham city has several excellent state schools. Durham Johnston Comprehensive is one of the highest-performing comprehensives in the North East. The city also benefits from the university's educational influence.
Find the right school in County Durham
Browse all 253 schools and nurseries. Filter by Ofsted rating, exam results and distance.
Browse All Schools in County Durham