High Tunstall College of Science
100%
Capacity
1,396
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About High Tunstall College of Science
High Tunstall College of Science is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Hartlepool community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,396 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (100% of 1,394 places).
Ofsted has rated High Tunstall College of Science "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Mark Tilling, it falls under Hartlepool local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.32 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.4. Additionally, ranked 2290th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 5 in Hartlepool.
High Tunstall College of Science is a popular choice with families — it received 755 applications for 269 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 368 were first-preference applications.
High Tunstall College of Science parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 90% recommending the school (143 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at High Tunstall College of Science include Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Science Labs, Theatre, Playing Fields, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Football, Rugby, Cricket and 6 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Orchestra, Newspaper, Gardening and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Hartlepool, High Tunstall College of Science 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 | None |
| Address | Elwick Road, Hartlepool, Hartlepool, TS26 0LQ |
| Headteacher | Mark Tilling |
| Local Authority | Hartlepool |
| Number of Pupils | 1,396 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,396 / 1,394 (100% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 25 Mar 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.32)
2290th of 3,141
Nationally
86th of 142
In North East
2nd of 5
In Hartlepool
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.
Ofsted Parent View
143 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed269
755
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
368 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Tunstall College of Science
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
Elwick Road, Hartlepool
Hartlepool, TS26 0LQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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