Staindrop Academy
69%
Capacity
469
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Staindrop Academy
Staindrop Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 469 pupils on roll, operating at 69% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Staindrop Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Sarah Mitchinson, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.16 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.8. Additionally, ranked 1905th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 18th out of 31 in County Durham.
Staindrop Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 238 applications for 115 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 117 were first-preference applications.
Staindrop Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 100% recommending the school (16 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 Staindrop Academy include ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, Library, Playing Fields, Music Rooms.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Rounders, Netball, Athletics and 5 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Newspaper, Book Club, Model UN and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, Staindrop 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 | Cleatlam Lane, Darlington, County Durham, DL2 3JU |
| Headteacher | Sarah Mitchinson |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 469 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.6% |
| School Capacity | 469 / 675 (69% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 17 Nov 2021. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.16)
1905th of 3,141
Nationally
64th of 142
In North East
18th 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.
Ofsted Parent View
16 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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed115
238
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
117 families put this school as their 1st choice (49% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staindrop 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
Cleatlam Lane, Darlington
County Durham, DL2 3JU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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