A County Durham school has been named among the best in the UK after its GCSE and A level set it apart from the rest in the region. 

A list of the top 100 best state schools has been revealed by the Daily Mail, based on GCSE and A-Level results, extracurricular activities, class sizes, and The Good Schools Guide.

Introducing the list, the news outlet said: "Private schools are set to become around 20 per cent more expensive from January, with the scrapping of tax breaks on independent school fees.

"Many fear that will start a squeeze on places at the best state schools.

"And while Labour has pledged to pour money into state-funded education in its many guises - from faith schools to free and grammar institutions, parents who privately educate their offspring are set to help pay for it.

"So how many pupils will be moved to state schools by parents who can no longer afford the fees? Only time will tell."

The County Durham state school among the best in the UK

Within the list, which included some of the most prestigious London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Midlands schools - Durham Johnston Comprehensive School also made the list of 100.

The impressive feat was achieved thanks to the exam results of its pupils in the past, alongside the 'outstanding' Ofsted rating it has achieved.

What did the top 100 list say about the County Durham school?

Explaining why Durham Johnston Comprehensive School featured on the list, the news outlet said: "This mixed-sex comprehensive in County Durham is heavily oversubscribed, thanks to consistently high results at GCSE and A level, which grant students places on the most competitive courses at top universities, including Oxbridge.

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"Percentage of pupils gaining 5 or above in English and maths at GCSE in 2023: 63 per cent."

Alongside  Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, these other North East schools made the list:

  • Whitley Bay High School, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
  • Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham, Northumberland
  • Ponteland High School, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
  • Carmel College, Darlington, County Durham
  • St Mary's Catholic School, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear