Bishop Barrington Academy
74%
Capacity
602
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Bishop Barrington Academy
Bishop Barrington Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 602 pupils on roll, operating at 74% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Bishop Barrington Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Colin Smith, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.27 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.8. Additionally, ranked 2155th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 23rd out of 31 in County Durham.
Bishop Barrington Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 328 applications for 136 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 120 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bishop Barrington Academy include Swimming Pool, Theatre, Sports Hall, Library, Gymnasium, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Athletics, Netball, Cross Country and 4 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Coding, Book Club, Art Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 51.2%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, Bishop Barrington Academy is one of the options available in the North East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 6LA |
| Headteacher | Colin Smith |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 602 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 51.2% |
| School Capacity | 602 / 814 (74% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
25 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 29 Sept 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.27)
2155th of 3,141
Nationally
80th of 142
In North East
23rd of 31
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed136
328
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
120 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bishop Barrington Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland
County Durham, DL14 6LA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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