Parkside Academy
About Parkside Academy
Parkside Academy is a mixed state secondary for 11-16 year olds in County Durham, led by headteacher Kelly Armstrong. It sits within a local authority that contains 35 secondary schools, of which only five currently hold an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. Among its same-type peers in the area, Parkside ranks behind Tanfield School, St Leonard's Catholic School in Durham, and The Academy at Shotton Hall, according to available comparative data. The school itself was rated Good overall in its most recent Ofsted inspection, carried out in October 2021, a rating it has held consistently across both its graded inspections. That places it in the solid middle tier of County Durham secondaries — not among the handful of Outstanding schools, but comfortably above the minority that fall below the Good threshold. For families weighing up options in this part of the North East, Parkside represents a reliably rated local choice, particularly for those who want a non-denominational setting with no religious character.
Key Details
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
19 Oct 2021Source: Ofsted, 5 Dec 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parkside 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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
School Open Days Calendar 2026/27
When open days happen and what to look for