Tanfield School
102%
Capacity
702
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About Tanfield School
Tanfield School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 702 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 690 places).
Ofsted has rated Tanfield School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Steven Clough, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.83 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.9. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 173rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 31 in County Durham.
Tanfield School is a popular choice with families — it received 405 applications for 149 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 185 were first-preference applications.
Tanfield School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 94% recommending the school (69 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Tanfield School include Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Theatre, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Swimming, Rounders, Cricket and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Newspaper, Gardening, DofE and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.2%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, Tanfield School 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 | Tanfield Lea Road, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 8AY |
| Headteacher | Steven Clough |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 702 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.2% |
| School Capacity | 702 / 690 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Sept 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 24 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.83)
173rd of 3,141
Nationally
4th of 142
In North East
1st of 31
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more 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
69 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed149
405
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
185 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanfield School
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
Tanfield Lea Road, Stanley
County Durham, DH9 8AY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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