Haughton Academy
99%
Capacity
890
Pupils
1.5x
Demand
About Haughton Academy
Haughton Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Darlington community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 890 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Haughton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Jane Darbyshire, it falls under Darlington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.57 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.8. Additionally, ranked 2696th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 7 in Darlington.
Haughton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 250 applications for 165 places, making it 1.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 155 were first-preference applications.
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 Haughton Academy include Dining Hall, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Library, Tennis Courts, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Hockey, Football, Cross Country and 3 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Eco Club, Drama, Science Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 40.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Darlington, Haughton 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 | Salters Lane South, Darlington, Darlington, DL1 2AN |
| Headteacher | Jane Darbyshire |
| Local Authority | Darlington |
| Number of Pupils | 890 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 40.7% |
| School Capacity | 890 / 900 (99% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
1 Feb 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 10 Mar 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.57)
2696th of 3,141
Nationally
112th of 142
In North East
6th of 7
In Darlington
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed165
250
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
155 families put this school as their 1st choice (62% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Haughton 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
Salters Lane South, Darlington
Darlington, DL1 2AN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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