Best Primary & Secondary Schools in County Durham 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 281 schools across County Durham. Updated with 2025–26 data.

281

Total schools

Outstanding

10%

Outstanding rate

62.1%

Avg KS2 SATs

39.1

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Wingate Community Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥈	Seaham Harbour Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥉	Langley Moor Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
4.	Beechdale Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
5.	Horden Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
6.	Rosemary Lane Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
7.	Thornhill Primary School Primary	Outstanding	94	View school
8.	Framwellgate Moor Primary School Primary	Outstanding	91	View school
9.	Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy Primary	Outstanding	91	View school
10.	Montalbo Nursery & Primary School Primary	Outstanding	90	View school
11.	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Gilesgate Primary	Good	90	View school
12.	Kirk Merrington Primary School Primary	Outstanding	89	View school
13.	Bullion Lane Primary School Primary	Good	87	View school
14.	New Seaham Academy Primary	Good	87	View school
15.	Ingleton CofE Primary School Primary	Good	85	View school
16.	Cockfield Primary School Primary	Good	84	View school
17.	Sacriston Academy Primary	Good	84	View school
18.	Evenwood Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	83	View school
19.	St Margaret's Church of England Primary School Primary	Good	83	View school
20.	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Blackhall Primary	Good	83	View school

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Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in County Durham?

There are 281 primary & secondary schools in County Durham, of which 28 (10%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in County Durham?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in County Durham is Wingate Community Nursery School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in County Durham?

Primary and secondary school applications in County Durham are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the County Durham council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in County Durham?

10% of primary & secondary schools in County Durham are rated Outstanding and 77% are rated Good. 80.8% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.