Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
99%
Capacity
1,688
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
Durham Johnston Comprehensive School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,688 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,700 places).
Ofsted has rated Durham Johnston Comprehensive School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rosslyn McFadden, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.18 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 56.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, ranked 1128th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 31 in County Durham.
Durham Johnston Comprehensive School is a popular choice with families — it received 780 applications for 260 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 309 were first-preference applications.
Durham Johnston Comprehensive School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (500 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School include Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Basketball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Drama, Newspaper, Science Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.6%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, Durham Johnston Comprehensive School 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Crossgate Moor, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4SU |
| Headteacher | Rosslyn McFadden |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,688 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,688 / 1,700 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Feb 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 10 Apr 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.18)
1128th of 3,141
Nationally
31st of 142
In North East
9th 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
44.5
'22/23
40.2
'23/24
41.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
500 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed260
780
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
309 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
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
Crossgate Moor, Durham
County Durham, DH1 4SU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School!
Write a Review