UTC South Durham
75%
Capacity
450
Pupils
N/A
Demand
About UTC South Durham
UTC South Durham is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 14 to 19. The school has 450 pupils on roll, operating at 75% capacity.
Ofsted has rated UTC South Durham "Good", the school is led by headteacher Tom Dower, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.99 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 36.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 3015th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 29th out of 31 in County Durham.
UTC South Durham has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.8/5 from 1 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (75 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 UTC South Durham include Science Labs, ICT Suite, Theatre, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Rounders, Badminton, Tennis and 3 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Newspaper, Film Club, DofE and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, UTC South Durham 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 | 14 to 19 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Long Tens Way, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5 6AP |
| Headteacher | Tom Dower |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 450 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.7% |
| School Capacity | 450 / 600 (75% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 24 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.99)
3015th of 3,141
Nationally
128th of 142
In North East
29th of 31
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
25.1
'22/23
21.9
'23/24
27.5
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
75 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
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions About UTC South Durham
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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
Contact Information
Long Tens Way, Newton Aycliffe
County Durham, DL5 6AP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
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