The Academy at Shotton Hall

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Outstanding

Passfield Way, Peterlee, SR8 1AUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Academy at Shotton Hall is a secondary school in Peterlee for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 271 schools in County Durham. It ranks 4th of 30 secondary schools in County Durham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in July 2024.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 9 July 2024, report published 9 September 2024

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 9 July 2024

Pupils appreciate the exceptional education they receive at The Academy at Shotton Hall. The wider community are proud of the contribution the school makes to the town. Pupils strive to meet the school's high expectations in all aspects of school life. They flourish in this happy, safe and successful school. Pupils are highly motivated to engage in precisely planned lessons. This enables them to become skilled in the subject. Staff connect pupils' knowledge to the real world. This inspires pupils to learn more. Pupils discover how each subject can lead to future careers. This all helps them achieve exceptional outcomes in public examinations and take ambitious next steps when they leave. Pupils and staff have a relentless focus on academic achievement. This is possible due to the impeccable behaviour throughout the school. Pupils show high levels of respect for staff and their peers. They are exceptionally tolerant of others. Pupils are also empowered to speak out if they have concerns. This supportive environment helps to shape pupils to become confident, articulate and kind. Pupils' personal development is a thread that runs through an academic core. The curriculum is skilfully linked to citizenship. For example, pupils enjoy connecting British values to speeches in English. Pupils also become leaders and mentors in the school. In addition, they enjoy a rich variety of exciting wider opportunities. They try new things, visit new places and listen to expert speakers.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

194 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score52.2

52.2, 6.1 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths52.6%

52.6%, 7.2 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths77.3%

77.3%, 12.5 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc46.9%

46.9%, 6.4 percentage points above the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.52

4.52, 0.43 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

1,202 pupils on roll, with places for 1,150

Eligible for free school meals34.8%

34.8%, 8.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language2.6%

2.6%, 19 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support14.2%

14.2%, 0.6 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1.1%

1.1%, 4.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Academy at Shotton Hall

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Bede's Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College0.6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 44.5
Open Air Education0.6 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Dene Academy2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 41.4
Wellfield School2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 47.8
Easington Academy2 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstandingAttainment 8: 51.8

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
NORTH EAST LEARNING TRUST
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Alexandra Hook
Address
Passfield Way, Peterlee, SR8 1AU
Local authority
County Durham
URN
136451

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.