How do you decide which schools are best?

We combine official data sources and our methodology to highlight consistent performance. Use filters to personalise results based on what matters to your family.

Are all Darlington Council Area neighbourhoods included?

Yes. We group schools by their locality field so you can quickly scan areas and their nearby schools. All sections are expanded by default on this page.

Why do results differ from Ofsted-only lists?

We consider a broader set of indicators and present more flexible filtering, including faith options, mixed/grammar status, and age ranges.

2026 Best Secondary Schools in Darlington Council Area

Schools across the Darlington council area. Explore 8 secondary schools in Darlington Council Area. The current top-ranked secondary schools are Carmel College, Hurworth School, and Hummersknott Academy. Compare local rankings, GCSE results, FMS Inspection Score, and neighbourhood options in one place.

Key Performance Metrics for Darlington Council Area

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Darlington Council Area44.2

England39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Darlington Council Area32%

England41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Darlington Council Area3.8

England4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Darlington Council Area7.4/10

England7.4/10

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Darlington Council Area

44.2vsEngland

39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Darlington Council Area

32%vsEngland

41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Darlington Council Area

3.8vsEngland

4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Darlington Council Area

7.4/10vsEngland

7.4/10

Top schools in Darlington Council Area

Showing 1-8 of 8 schools

Carmel College
The Headlands
Hurworth School
Hurworth-on-Tees
ADGrades not where they should be?We match your child with a qualified GCSE or A-Level tutor.5.0·108 Google reviewsFind my tutor →
ADTHE DEGREE GAPGrades not where they
should be?5.0 · 108 reviewsFind my tutor →
Hummersknott Academy
Hummersknott
ADGrades not where they should be?We match your child with a qualified GCSE or A-Level tutor.5.0·108 Google reviewsFind my tutor →
ADTHE DEGREE GAPGrades not where they
should be?5.0 · 108 reviewsFind my tutor →
Polam Hall School
West End
Wyvern Academy
Firthmoor
Longfield Academy
Longfield
St Aidan's Church of England Academy
Hundens Lane
Haughton Academy
Haughton