North Durham Academy
57%
Capacity
976
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About North Durham Academy
North Durham Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 976 pupils on roll, operating at 57% capacity.
Ofsted has rated North Durham Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark Gray, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.43 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.8. Additionally, ranked 2502nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 27th out of 31 in County Durham.
North Durham Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 248 applications for 187 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 138 were first-preference applications.
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 North Durham Academy include Library, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Swimming, Cross Country, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Science Club, Art Club, Film Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 50.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, North Durham 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 | High Street, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0TW |
| Headteacher | Mark Gray |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 976 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 50.7% |
| School Capacity | 976 / 1,700 (57% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 21 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.43)
2502nd of 3,141
Nationally
101st of 142
In North East
27th of 31
In County Durham
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.
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
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed187
248
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
138 families put this school as their 1st choice (56% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Durham 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
High Street, Stanley
County Durham, DH9 0TW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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