Whitworth Park Academy
76%
Capacity
986
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Whitworth Park Academy
Whitworth Park Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the County Durham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 986 pupils on roll, operating at 76% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Whitworth Park Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Stuart Dixon, it falls under County Durham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.01 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.7. Additionally, ranked 1535th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 14th out of 31 in County Durham.
Whitworth Park Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 281 applications for 195 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 182 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Whitworth Park Academy include Library, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Sports Hall.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Martial Arts, Rugby, Basketball and 2 more, as well as clubs including Choir, Debate, Art Club, Chess and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 38.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in County Durham, Whitworth Park 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 | Whitworth Lane, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 7LN |
| Headteacher | Stuart Dixon |
| Local Authority | County Durham |
| Number of Pupils | 986 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 38.7% |
| School Capacity | 986 / 1,300 (76% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Oct 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 15 Nov 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.01)
1535th of 3,141
Nationally
48th of 142
In North East
14th of 31
In County Durham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed195
281
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
182 families put this school as their 1st choice (65% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitworth Park 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
Whitworth Lane, Spennymoor
County Durham, DL16 7LN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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