The short version
Average GCSE results. 75% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2024).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 39.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2024
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
39.2
4.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
29%
12.7pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
0%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.47
Band 1Source: 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
91%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
78%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
6%
Employment
Directly into work
6%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 143 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
30% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 37 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- University technical college
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 14–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 450
- Capacity
- 75%
- FSM
- 32.7%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- County Durham
- Trust
- THE DURHAM UTC LIMITED
- Head
- Mr Tom Dower (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Previous reports
Location
Long Tens Way, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, DL5 6AP
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is UTC South Durham a selective school?
No. UTC South Durham is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is UTC South Durham's Ofsted rating?
UTC South Durham was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2024. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend UTC South Durham?
UTC South Durham currently has 450 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does UTC South Durham take?
UTC South Durham caters for pupils aged 14 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is UTC South Durham?
UTC South Durham is in Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6AP, in the County Durham local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does UTC South Durham have a sixth form?
Yes, UTC South Durham has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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