Hardest and easiest County Durham secondary schools to get into

The Great British Schools Guide has released data naming the top 10 easiest and hardest secondary schools to get into in County Durham, ranked based on “an equal-weighted combination of catchment tightness and fullness relative to recorded capacity”.

The fullness percentage provides “an indication of demand” for places and does not mean a school is oversubscribed.

Here are the easiest and hardest secondary schools to get into in County Durham.

Does your child’s school feature on either of the lists? (Image: Getty)

Hardest County Durham secondary schools to get into

The Academy at Shotton Hall comes in first place on the Great British Schools Guide’s list with a fullness of 101%.

The school was given a rating of outstanding in its last OFSTED inspection, which was published in September 2024.

The school says it provides a “vibrant and stimulating learning environment” for its pupils.

Top 10 hardest County Durham secondary schools to get into:

1. The Academy at Shotton Hall – 101%
2. Seaham High School – 94%
3. Easington Academy – 105%
4. Hermitage Academy – 89%
5. Woodham Academy – 93%
6. Tanfield School – 102%
7. Belmont Community School – 94%
8. Park View School – 109%
9. Dene Academy – 78%
10. King James I Academy Bishop Auckland – 97%

Easiest County Durham secondary schools to get into

For the easiest school to get into in County Durham, Staindrop Academy has a fullness percentage of 69%.

The school was last inspected by OFSTED in October 2021 and received a rating of good in all of the categories judged.

The school aims to make all of its pupils feel “happy and valued” and wants them to “fulfil their potential and develop the skills and attributes to succeed in their next steps”.

Top 10 easiest County Durham secondary schools to get into:

1. Staindrop Academy – 69%
2. Teesdale School and Sixth Form – 71%
3. Durham Academy – 57%
4. Wellfield School – 90%
5. Wolsingham School – 99%
6. Framwellgate School Durham – 94%
7. North Durham Academy – 57%
8. Ferryhill School – 80%
9. Greenfield Academy – 68%
10. Bishop Barrington Academy – 74%

Do either of these lists surprise you? Let us know in the comments.