Best secondary schools in South Shields (2026)
South Shields has 3 ranked secondary schools with published results. The top-ranked is St Wilfrid's RC College, in the top 41% in England. The average Attainment 8 here in 2025 was 44.2, against 46.1 for England. 0 are in England's top 10%, and 0 are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. South Shields has no grammar schools.
| Rank | School | Attainment 8 (2023–2025 average) | Attainment 8 2025 | Trend | Grade 5+ Eng & maths | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Top 41% in England |
St Wilfrid's RC College South Shields · Roman Catholic |
48.1 | 48.2 | 50% | Not judged | |
2 Bottom 41% in England |
Harton Academy South Shields |
44.0 | 42.6 | 38% | Good | |
3 Bottom 17% in England |
Mortimer Community College South Shields |
39.8 | 41.9 | 35% | Not judged |
Other towns in Tyne and Wear
Also see
Questions
What is the best secondary school in South Shields?
On exam results over the last three years, St Wilfrid's RC College is the top-ranked secondary school in South Shields, in the top 41% of schools in England.
How are the schools ranked?
By published Department for Education exam results averaged over three years: for secondary schools, Attainment 8 plus a quarter of the share getting grade 5+ in English and maths; for primary schools, the share reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths plus half the share reaching the higher standard. The order uses the three-year average, so a school can rank above one with a higher single-year result. Schools with fewer than 10 pupils taking the tests are not ranked. Exam results are only part of the picture: visit, read the Ofsted report and check admissions rules, as living nearby does not guarantee a place.