Longfield Academy
80%
Capacity
721
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Longfield Academy
Longfield Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Darlington community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 721 pupils on roll and is well-filled (80% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Longfield Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Angela Sweeten, it falls under Darlington local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.47 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.6. Additionally, ranked 2559th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in Darlington.
Longfield Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 163 applications for 90 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 86 were first-preference applications.
Longfield Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 74% recommending the school (66 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Longfield Academy include Tennis Courts, Library, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Theatre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Rugby, Football, Tennis and 6 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Eco Club, Chess, Film Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 36.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Darlington, Longfield 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 | None |
| Address | Longfield Road, Darlington, Darlington, DL3 0HT |
| Headteacher | Angela Sweeten |
| Local Authority | Darlington |
| Number of Pupils | 721 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 36.8% |
| School Capacity | 721 / 900 (80% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Oct 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 28 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.47)
2559th of 3,141
Nationally
106th of 142
In North East
4th 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
66 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed90
163
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
86 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Longfield 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
Longfield Road, Darlington
Darlington, DL3 0HT
Longfield Road, Darlington
Darlington, DL3 0HT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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