Durham Academy vs UTC South Durham
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in North East, England, 21 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Durham Academy
Durham · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
405 students
UTC South Durham
Newton Aycliffe · Academy secondary · Ages 14–19
421 students
| Measure | Durham Academy Durham, North East | UTC South Durham Newton Aycliffe, North East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 15 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #168 of 185 | #139 of 185 |
| National rank | #3808 of 4,090 | #3077 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–16 | Ages 14–19 |
| Students | 405 | 421 |
| Pupils on roll | 405 | 421 |
| Free school meals | 59% | 36.5% |
| Capacity filled | 58.4% | 70.2% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 37.4 | 39.2 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 22% | 29.1% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 44% | 49.6% |
| EBacc average points | 3.11 | 2.88 |
| A level points per entry | – | 31.9 |
| town | Durham | Newton Aycliffe |
| region | North East | North East |
| Website | durhamacademy.org.uk/ | www.utcsouthdurham.org |
The verdict
- •UTC South Durham scores higher on the Success Index (England) (27.8 vs 14.9).
- •UTC South Durham is the larger school with 421 students compared with 405.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Durham Academy better than UTC South Durham?
On the Success Index (England), UTC South Durham ranks higher (27.8 vs 14.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Durham Academy and UTC South Durham?
About 21 km in a straight line, between Durham and Newton Aycliffe in North East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Durham Academy: 405. UTC South Durham: 421. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Durham Academy and UTC South Durham rank in North East?
Durham Academy is 168th of 185 and UTC South Durham is 139th of 185 among secondary schools in North East on the 2025 Success Index (England).