Consett Academy Review 2026: Modern Facilities in Durham

Dominated by its striking £44 million campus which opened in 2012, Consett Academy is the educational focal point for the town. As part of the New College Durham Academies Trust (NCDAT), it serves a large mixed cohort of around 1,500 students. The school is physically integrated with Consett Leisure Centre, providing students with access to facilities that far exceed the state school norm. Rated Good by Ofsted in May 2023, the academy combines modern resources with a focus on raising local aspirations.

Approaching the Ashdale Road site, the sheer scale of the building makes a statement. This is a modern educational environment where glass, light, and open spaces replace the cramped corridors of traditional schools. The central atrium, often bustling with students, acts as the spine of the academy.

Mr Tom Urwin has led the school as Principal since December 2021. His leadership focuses on raising aspirations in an area with a proud industrial heritage but distinct economic challenges. The ethos is built around resilience and ambition, with a clear expectation that students should look beyond the local area for their future opportunities.

Being co-located with the town's leisure centre creates a unique dynamic. The boundary between school and community is porous in the best sense; students view fitness and recreation as part of daily life rather than a bolt-on. The atmosphere is generally energetic, though the sheer size of the student body means corridors can be lively during transitions.

Academic performance paints a mixed picture, with Sixth Form outcomes currently stronger than GCSE results.

At GCSE, the school ranks 2,829th in England and 1st in Consett. This performance sits in the national lower band (bottom 40%). In the most recent data, the Attainment 8 score was 44.2, against an England average of roughly 46. Progress 8 stands at -0.2, indicating that students make slightly less progress than their peers nationally from similar starting points. However, locally, the academy remains the top-performing provider.

Post-16 results tell a stronger story. The Sixth Form ranks 1,535th in England and 1st in Consett for A-level outcomes. This reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). In 2024, nearly 43% of grades were A*-B, a respectable figure that opens doors to competitive universities.

The curriculum is broad, leveraging the extensive facilities. Key Stage 3 covers the full National Curriculum before students select options in Year 9. The partnership with New College Durham influences the approach, with clear pathways for both academic and vocational routes.

Teaching varies from functional to inspiring. In the Sixth Form, smaller class sizes allow for more seminar-style learning, which students cite as a key factor in their better A-level performance. The academy uses 'Period 6' specifically for intervention and enrichment, targeting students who need to close gaps in English and Mathematics.

Where Students Go Next

University progression is healthy. In 2024, 51% of leavers progressed to university. The school actively supports aspirational applications; remarkably for a non-selective school in this region, one student secured a place at Cambridge in the last cycle.

Alternatives to university are also well-supported. 5% of leavers moved onto apprenticeships and 21% into employment, reflecting the school's strong links with local industry and the wider trust's vocational focus.

Admission to Year 7 is coordinated by Durham County Council. The school is oversubscribed, with a subscription ratio of 1.4 applications per place in the last intake.

The school has an admission number (PAN) of approximately 270. When oversubscribed, priority is given to Looked After Children, followed by those with medical or social reasons, and then siblings. The remaining places are allocated based on distance from the school.

The House system divides the large student body into smaller, manageable communities. Each student belongs to a House, which serves as their pastoral base for assemblies and competitions.

Pastoral support is structured around Year Managers who are non-teaching staff. This availability is crucial; students know there is someone in the office who is not tied up in a classroom if an urgent issue arises. Ofsted inspectors noted that students feel safe and that bullying is dealt with effectively, though parents should be aware that in a school of this size, social dynamics can be complex.

The extracurricular offer is defined by the unique site. Access to the shared leisure centre means swimming, gym work, and indoor sports are integral to the enrichment programme.

Music and drama are present, though sport is the dominant pillar. The academy runs fixtures in football, rugby, and netball against schools across County Durham. For Sixth Formers, the enrichment programme includes community service and leadership qualifications.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. The site is located on Ashdale Road, easily accessible from the town centre. Students are expected to wear a smart blazer-based uniform, and the school enforces strict rules on appearance to prepare students for professional environments.

Fees & Financial Support

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

Families on lower incomes may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), which also triggers Pupil Premium funding to support the child's education. Parents should check eligibility criteria with Durham County Council. Additional costs may arise for uniforms, trips, and music lessons, though the school often subsidises these for FSM students.

Size and scale. With nearly 1,700 students including the Sixth Form, this is a large institution. Confident children thrive in the bustle; those who prefer a quieter, smaller environment might find it overwhelming initially.

Mixed academic profile. While A-level results are solid, GCSE progress scores have been slightly below average. Parents of high-ability children should engage closely with the school to ensure their child is being stretched in Key Stage 4.

Public site access. The sharing of facilities with the public leisure centre is managed carefully with secure doors and separate timings, but it creates a different feel to a completely enclosed school campus.

Consett Academy offers a facility-rich education in the heart of its community. While GCSE outcomes have room for improvement, the Sixth Form provides a strong launchpad for university and employment. Best suited to local families wanting a modern, well-resourced school where sport and vocational opportunities sit alongside traditional learning. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7.