Dene Academy
78%
Capacity
641
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Dene Academy
Dene 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 641 pupils on roll, operating at 78% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Dene Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Nelson, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.33 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.2. Additionally, ranked 789th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 31 in County Durham.
Dene Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 202 applications for 113 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 113 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Visual Impairment and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Dene Academy include Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Library, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Astro Turf, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts and 5 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Choir, DofE, Orchestra and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 59.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, Dene 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 | Manor Way, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 5RL |
| Headteacher | David Nelson |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 641 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 59.8% |
| School Capacity | 641 / 818 (78% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 18 Jan 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.33)
789th of 3,141
Nationally
17th of 142
In North East
5th of 31
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed113
202
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
113 families put this school as their 1st choice (56% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dene 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
Manor Way, Peterlee
County Durham, SR8 5RL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
