St Leonard's Catholic School, Durham Review 2026: Academic Excellence and Resilient Community

Perched on the northern approach to the historic city of Durham, St Leonard's Catholic School is a cornerstone of the local educational landscape. Serving a diverse catchment that stretches across the city and into the surrounding County Durham villages, it is a school that combines high academic ambition with a deeply felt Catholic ethos. As part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, the school benefits from a wide network of support, yet it retains a distinct identity rooted in its North End location.

The school has recently demonstrated remarkable resilience, navigating significant national challenges regarding its building infrastructure while maintaining its position as one of the highest-performing schools in the region. With a Progress 8 score of +0.64, students here make well above England average progress. This is an all-through secondary and post-16 environment where 1,200 students are encouraged to seek excellence in all things.

The atmosphere at St Leonard's is one of purposeful calm. Despite its size, the school manages to feel like a close-knit community where individuals are known and valued. This is largely driven by its Catholic character, which provides a shared set of values centered on respect and service. Families often note the courtesy of the students and the strong, professional relationships between staff and pupils.

The current Head Teacher, Mr Chris Hammill, was appointed in 2022, bringing a clear focus on academic standards alongside a commitment to student wellbeing. His leadership has been particularly tested by the RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) issues that affected much of the school site. The school's response, which involved temporary relocation and remote learning for some year groups, has been widely praised by the local community for its transparency and the way it prioritised student outcomes during a period of upheaval.

The school motto, Virtus in Arduis (Virtue in Hardship), has perhaps never felt more relevant than in recent years. This spirit of perseverance permeates the corridors, where academic rigour is balanced with a genuine sense of warmth and mutual support.

Academic performance at St Leonard's is consistently strong. Ranked 1,151st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the top 25% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 4th among secondary schools in Durham, outperforming many nearby alternatives.

The Progress 8 score of +0.64 is a standout metric. This indicates that, on average, students at St Leonard's achieve over half a grade higher in every subject than students of similar ability in other schools across England. The average Attainment 8 score of 57.2 is also well above the England average.

At A-level, the school remains a top choice for students across the county. It ranks 1,034th in England and 5th in Durham for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Nearly half of all A-level entries (49.8%) achieved A* to B grades, ensuring that the majority of students secure their first-choice university or apprenticeship placements.

The curriculum at St Leonard's is unashamedly academic. In the lower years, students follow a broad programme that includes traditional subjects alongside a strong Religious Education core. Teachers have expert subject knowledge, and there is a clear emphasis on developing independent study skills early on, which pays dividends when students reach the Sixth Form.

The school has a strong track record in the sciences and mathematics, often drawing students from further afield for its post-16 STEM provision. In the classroom, expectations are high. The school uses a consistent approach to feedback and assessment, ensuring that students know exactly what they need to do to improve. This culture of high expectations is a primary driver of the school's impressive progress scores.

Where Students Go Next

The Sixth Form at St Leonard's acts as a powerful springboard. For the 2024 leavers, 68% of students progressed to university, with a significant proportion securing places at Russell Group institutions. Durham University, University of Newcastle, and University of Sheffield are perennial favourites for leavers, reflecting both the school's local roots and its national aspirations.

The academic rigour is evidenced by the elite university pipeline; in the most recent measurement period, 12 students submitted Oxbridge applications, resulting in a successful placement at Cambridge. Beyond traditional degrees, the school is increasingly successful in supporting students into high-level apprenticeships, with 9% of the cohort following this route into sectors such as engineering and accountancy.

Securing a place at St Leonard's is a competitive process. For the most recent entry cycle, the school received 481 applications for 192 places, making it significantly oversubscribed. With a subscription proportion of 2.51, more than two families apply for every available desk.

As a voluntary aided Catholic school, the admissions policy prioritises baptised Catholic children from designated feeder parishes. However, the school welcomes children of other faiths and none, provided they support the school's ethos and places are available. Families should be aware that a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) is usually required alongside the standard local authority application.

Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

Pastoral care is a significant strength, deeply entwined with the school's Catholic identity. The school is organised into a year-based system, with form tutors providing the first line of support. The latest inspection confirmed safeguarding as a strength, noting that students feel safe and know who to turn to if they have concerns.

The school's Chaplaincy team plays a central role in school life, offering not just spiritual guidance but also a listening ear for students of all backgrounds. There is a strong emphasis on mental health awareness, with peer mentors and staff trained in mental health first aid. The Emmaus Centre provides a dedicated space for students who need additional emotional or social support during the school day.

The extracurricular life at St Leonard's is vibrant and varied. Music and Drama are particular highlights; the school choir and various ensembles perform regularly at Durham Cathedral, providing students with a world-class venue for their talents. The annual school production is a major event in the calendar, involving students from all year groups in both performing and technical roles.

STEM Excellence

The school has a dedicated focus on STEM enrichment. Students participate in the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges and the Physics Olympiad, frequently achieving gold and silver awards. The STEM Club allows students to engage in project-based learning, recently focusing on sustainable energy and robotics.

Sporting opportunities are extensive, with the school utilising both on-site facilities and the nearby Durham University sports grounds. Rugby, netball, and rowing are traditional strengths, with several students representing the county and region.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:15pm. Transport is a key consideration for many families; the school is well-served by public buses from across Durham and the surrounding villages, and it is within walking distance of Durham railway station. While there is no formal breakfast club for the whole school, the canteen opens early to provide students with a space to socialise and eat before lessons begin.

• Infrastructure challenges: The school has dealt with significant RAAC-related building issues. While the leadership has managed this effectively with temporary classrooms and repairs, families should be aware that some parts of the site may still be under renovation or subject to future redevelopment.
• Highly oversubscribed: With 2.5 applications for every place, entry is fiercely competitive. Families outside the immediate Catholic feeder parishes may find it more difficult to secure a place during the standard intake.
• Academic pressure: The focus on high attainment and progress is intense. While this leads to excellent results, students who prefer a more vocational or less exam-focused environment might find the pace demanding.

St Leonard's Catholic School remains one of the most prestigious state options in the North East. It offers a level of academic rigour and a sense of community that rivals many independent alternatives. The school suits academically able students who will thrive in a structured, values-driven environment. For families in Durham seeking a school that combines tradition with exceptional modern outcomes, St Leonard's is a compelling choice. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist.