The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2013).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 53.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2013
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
53.5
9.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
60%
18.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
74%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.14
Band 4Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
96%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
90%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 211 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
14% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 15 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 111 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,365
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 17.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Darlington
- Trust
- BISHOP HOGARTH CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Ms Mel Kane (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
The Headlands, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 8RW
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmMowden Infant School
Primary · 542m away
Hummersknott Academy
Secondary · 647m away
Mowden Junior School
Primary · 657m away
Abbey Junior School
Primary · 658m away
Marchbank Free School
Free school · 877m away
St Mary's Cockerton Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.1km away
Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.3km away
Meadholme
Independent · 1.3km away
Questions parents ask
Is Carmel College a selective school?
No. Carmel College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Carmel College's Ofsted rating?
Carmel College was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in October 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Carmel College?
Carmel College currently has 1,365 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Carmel College take?
Carmel College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Carmel College?
Carmel College is in Darlington, DL3 8RW, in the Darlington local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Carmel College have a sixth form?
Yes, Carmel College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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