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 Durham 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 Durham Area

Durham secondary schools offer diverse options across the historic cathedral city, with Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation and St Leonard's Catholic School, Durham among the top-ranked independent schools, while Durham Johnston Comprehensive School leads among state comprehensives. With 8 secondary schools serving Durham, families in Gilesgate, Crossgate, and Neville's Cross have access to a mix of independent and state options. However, secondary schools have an average FMS Inspection Score of 7.4/10, Good band, compared with England's 7.4/10 (Good). The average Attainment 8 score of 47 exceeds England's 39, showing solid academic performance despite lower FMS Inspection Score. Use the search filters to compare schools by Attainment 8 or FMS Inspection Score.

All schools in Durham

Key Performance Metrics for Durham

% students achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)

Durham45%

England56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Durham47.1

England39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Durham39%

England41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Durham4.3

England4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Durham7.4/10

England7.4/10

% students achieving grades 9-7 (A*-A equivalent)

Durham

45%vsEngland

56%

Average Attainment 8 score (out of 90)

Durham

47.1vsEngland

39.1

% pupils entering EBacc subjects

Durham

39%vsEngland

41%

Average EBacc APS score (out of 10)

Durham

4.3vsEngland

4.1

Average FMS Inspection Score (out of 10)

Durham

7.4/10vsEngland

7.4/10

Top schools in Durham

Showing 1-8 of 8 schools

Durham High School
Crossgate Moor
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
Quarryheads
St Leonard's Catholic School, Durham
North End
Durham Johnston Comprehensive School
Crossgate Moor
Belmont Community School
Belmont
St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester
Lanchester
Framwellgate School Durham
Framwellgate Moor
Durham Academy
Ushaw Moor