The short version
Average GCSE results. 78% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.4
2.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
33%
8.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
28%
Source: 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
85%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
5%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
11%
Based on 124 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
5% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 14 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 10 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 67 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 641
- Capacity
- 78%
- FSM
- 59.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- County Durham
- Trust
- ADVANCE LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mr David Nelson (Head Teacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Manor Way, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 5RL
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmDene Community School
Secondary · Very close
Dene House Primary School
Primary · Very close
Cotsford Primary School
Primary · 690m away
Yohden Primary School
Primary · 694m away
Horden Nursery School
Nursery · 877m away
Seascape Primary School
Primary · 882m away
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.6km away
Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Dene Academy a selective school?
No. Dene Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Dene Academy's Ofsted rating?
Dene Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in November 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Dene Academy?
Dene Academy currently has 641 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Dene Academy take?
Dene Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Dene Academy?
Dene Academy is in Peterlee, SR8 5RL, in the County Durham local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Dene Academy have a sixth form?
No, Dene Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.