Staindrop Academy Review 2026: A Community School with Academic Heart

Set against the scenic backdrop of rural County Durham, Staindrop Academy is a co-educational secondary school that serves the historic village of Staindrop and its surrounding rural communities. With a capacity of 675 students, the school maintains a size that allows for a genuine community feel where staff and students are well acquainted. Since joining the Advanced Learning Partnership (ALP) in 2017, the school has undergone a period of significant stabilisation and improvement. The 2024 academic data reflects a solid performance, placing the school in the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). This typical performance is balanced by a strong local reputation; the academy currently ranks 4th among secondary providers in the Darlington area.

The atmosphere at Staindrop Academy is one of calm, rural order. The school motto, Believe, Achieve, Succeed, provides a framework for both academic and personal expectations. Sarah Mitchinson has been in the post of Headteacher since June 2022, following a period of transition within the Advanced Learning Partnership. Her tenure has been marked by a focus on high expectations and a refinement of the school behaviour policy.

The physical environment blends traditional classroom blocks with modernised facilities, including updated science laboratories and technology suites. As a rural school, it acts as a central hub for the village, with many families having multi-generational links to the institution. This sense of continuity contributes to the school stable and welcoming culture.

In 2024, Staindrop Academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.8, which represents the average achievement of students across eight subjects. This performance is a proprietary FindMySchool ranking that places the academy 1,964th in England. Locally, the school ranks 4th in Darlington for GCSE outcomes, which is a strong position given the competitive local landscape.

The Progress 8 score for the most recent measured cohort was -0.16. While this indicates progress slightly below the England average, it remains within a typical range for many community secondaries. Approximately 12.5% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting the school focus on a core academic curriculum including sciences, languages, and humanities.

Teaching at the academy is characterised by structured, expert-led lessons. The curriculum is designed to be ambitious, ensuring students in this rural pocket of Durham have access to the same breadth of subjects as their urban counterparts. The school operates a three-year Key Stage 3 to ensure a broad foundation before students select their GCSE options.

Science and Mathematics are notable strengths, with the school utilising its partnership with the Advanced Learning Partnership to share best practice and resources. In the classroom, there is a clear emphasis on literacy and the school own approach to learning, which encourages active participation and resilience. Smaller class sizes in some elective subjects allow for more tailored support, particularly as students move toward their final examinations in Year 11.

Where Students Go Next

As the academy caters to students up to age 16, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical focus. While the academy does not have its own sixth form, it has established strong links with local post-16 providers. Many students progress to Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington or Bishop Auckland College to pursue A-levels or vocational qualifications.

The school provides a careers programme starting in Year 7, including mock interviews and work experience placements in Year 10. This ensures that by the time students reach their final year, they are well prepared for the transition to further education or apprenticeships.

Staindrop Academy is currently an oversubscribed school, reflecting its popularity within the local community. In the most recent admissions cycle for 2025 entry, there were 248 applications for 120 places.

The last person offered a place in 2025 lived 10.96 miles away. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Admissions are coordinated by Durham County Council. Priority is given to looked after children, students with an EHCP naming the school, and those living within the designated catchment area. Families considering the school should note that its popularity means living outside the immediate catchment can make securing a place more difficult.

Pastoral care is organised through a vertical tutor system or year group based houses, ensuring that every student has a dedicated member of staff responsible for their wellbeing. The latest Ofsted inspection in October 2021, which rated the school Good, highlighted that students feel safe and that bullying is dealt with effectively.

The academy has a dedicated SEND team that supports students with additional needs within the mainstream classroom. Wellbeing initiatives, including student leadership opportunities and a clear pastoral support pathway, ensure that students have access to emotional support when required. The school small size is a significant asset here, as students are well known by staff.

Extracurricular life at Staindrop Academy is diverse, with a particular emphasis on sport and the arts. The school utilizes its grounds for various athletic pursuits, including football, rugby, and netball. Clubs such as Student Leadership and various subject specific enrichment groups allow students to engage in activities outside the standard curriculum.

STEM: Innovation and Technology

The academy has made investments in its STEM facilities. The technology department features equipment for design and manufacturing projects, allowing students to move from digital designs to physical prototypes. Regular STEM challenge days and participation in regional science competitions foster a culture of enquiry and technical skill.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Given the rural location, transport is a major consideration; many students arrive via dedicated school buses from outlying villages such as Cockfield and Evenwood. There is no on-site nursery provision as the school is secondary only. For information regarding extracurricular costs or specific uniform requirements, parents are advised to consult the school website.

Fees & Financial Aid

Staindrop Academy is a state-funded school. As such, there are no tuition fees for students attending the academy. Families are responsible for standard costs such as school uniform, some educational visits, and extracurricular materials where applicable. Financial support for these incidental costs may be available for families eligible for Pupil Premium or through specific local authority grants.

• Oversubscription: With over two applications for every place in recent years, Staindrop Academy is highly competitive. Families living on the edges of the catchment area should have a clear secondary backup plan.
• No Sixth Form: The school ends at Year 11. While the transition support is excellent, students must be prepared to travel to Darlington or Bishop Auckland for post-16 study.
• Rural Transport: For students living outside the village, the school day is effectively extended by bus travel times. Proximity to the school is an advantage for those wishing to take full advantage of after-school clubs.

Staindrop Academy is a well led community school that successfully balances academic ambition with rural values. Its position as the 4th ranked secondary in Darlington, combined with its Good Ofsted status, makes it a top choice for local families. Best suited to students who thrive in a smaller, more personal environment where expectations are clear and the community is tight knit. The main challenge for prospective families remains securing a place in an oversubscribed year group.