2026 Best Secondary Schools in Durham Area

Schools in the Durham built-up area. Durham secondary schools offer diverse options across the historic cathedral city, with Durham High School and Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation among the top-ranked independent schools, while St Leonard's Catholic School, Durham leads among state comprehensives. With 6 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 8.2/10, Excellent band, compared with England's 7.4/10 (Good). The average Attainment 8 score of 49 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.