Hummersknott Academy
102%
Capacity
1,230
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Hummersknott Academy
Hummersknott Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Darlington community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,230 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Hummersknott Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Grant Sowerby, it falls under Darlington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.48 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.7. Additionally, ranked 2584th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 7 in Darlington.
Hummersknott Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 445 applications for 248 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 211 were first-preference applications.
Hummersknott Academy has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.9/5 from 1 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (36 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 Hummersknott Academy include Astro Turf, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Library, Theatre, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Cricket and 4 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Choir, Science Club, Book Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.8%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Darlington, Hummersknott 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 | Edinburgh Drive, Darlington, Darlington, DL3 8AR |
| Headteacher | Grant Sowerby |
| Local Authority | Darlington |
| Number of Pupils | 1,230 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,230 / 1,200 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Sept 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 10 Nov 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.48)
2584th of 3,141
Nationally
108th of 142
In North East
5th of 7
In Darlington
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
36 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
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed248
445
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
211 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummersknott 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
Edinburgh Drive, Darlington
Darlington, DL3 8AR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
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