The Academy at Shotton Hall
101%
Capacity
1,164
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About The Academy at Shotton Hall
The Academy at Shotton Hall is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,164 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 1,150 places).
the school is led by headteacher Alexandra Hook, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.58 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 51.7. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 403rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 31 in County Durham.
The Academy at Shotton Hall is a popular choice with families — it received 495 applications for 265 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 258 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Academy at Shotton Hall include Dining Hall, Library, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Badminton, Gymnastics, Swimming and 6 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Orchestra, Newspaper, Choir and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 31.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, The Academy at Shotton Hall 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 | Passfield Way, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 1AU |
| Headteacher | Alexandra Hook |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,164 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 31.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,164 / 1,150 (101% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Jul 2024Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 9 Sept 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.58)
403rd of 3,141
Nationally
8th of 142
In North East
3rd 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.
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
2025/26Oversubscribed265
495
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
258 families put this school as their 1st choice (52% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Academy at Shotton Hall
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
Passfield Way, Peterlee
County Durham, SR8 1AU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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