Classpot

St Aidan's Church of England Academy

Darlington, DL1 1LLSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jun 2025
Progress 8
-0.96
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
109 1st-choice / 116 places
Ranking
#3,001
of 3,141 nationally

About St Aidan's Church of England Academy

Just over two-thirds of parents who responded to Ofsted's Parent View survey between September 2024 and September 2025 said they would recommend St Aidan's Church of England Academy. That 67% yes figure comes from 33 respondents, so it's a small sample, but it gives a flavour of how families feel. The school is oversubscribed for 2025/26 entry, with 169 applications for 116 places and 109 first-preference offers, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.46. That suggests demand outstrips supply, even if not by a huge margin. On the survey, parents were most positive about the range of subjects on offer, with 88% agreeing or strongly agreeing that there is a good range available. They were also broadly positive about clubs and activities, with 78% agreeing or strongly agreeing their child can take part. However, responses were more mixed on how concerns are handled, with 24% strongly disagreeing that concerns are dealt with properly, and on SEND support, where 27% strongly disagreed that children with special educational needs get the support they need.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressHundens Lane, Darlington, Darlington, DL1 1LL
HeadteacherNikki Gibb
Local AuthorityDarlington
Number of Pupils594
Free School Meals (FSM)43.9%
School Capacity594 / 700 (85% full)

The full report on this school

What 33 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

11 Jun 2025
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (11 Jun 2025): Some aspects not as strong

Source: Ofsted, 31 Jan 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
TheatreAstro TurfArt StudiosSports HallSwimming PoolDining HallScience LabsMusic RoomsGymnasiumChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

15

Sports

Martial ArtsNetballTennisCross CountryCricketRugbyGymnasticsRowingBadmintonDance

Clubs & Activities

Model United NationsChessScience ClubArt ClubYoung Enterprise

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning Difficulty

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About St Aidan's Church of England Academy

St Aidan's Church of England Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.