The happiest schools in County Durham have been revealed

The difference between the happiest and least happy schools in County Durham is a massive 32 percentage points, with the lowest being 62 per cent.

Data used for the ranking was only considered if the secondary school had over 500 pupils and the survey had at least 100 parent submissions for the survey.

Ranking at number one was UTC South Durham.

UTC South Durham has been voted the happiest secondary school in County Durham (Image: Google Maps)

94 per cent of parent view responses said that their child or children are happy at the school, which is headed by principle Tom Dower.

Tom Dower, Principal of UTC South Durham (Image: UTC South Durham)

The students at UTC South Durham call teachers by their first names and this is a part of the mutually respectful 'family' environment which has been forged at the school. 

Catherine Purvis-Mawson, deputy-Principal, said: "We have a really mutually respectful environment here.  It is all about the culture we have created.  

"The school holds family values and mutual respect as very important. 

"Our expectations are very high, we expect professional standards from our students and our students deliver time and time and time again."

Catherine Purvise-Mawson, Deputy-Principal of UTC South Durham (Image: UTC South Durham)Catherine Purvis-Mawson, added: "‘All of our students, staff, parents, and industry partners work hard to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive culture where our students can thrive.

"The UTC is a technical school and 6th Form for 14-19-year-olds that prides itself on an environment where our community holds family values which means there is honesty and mutual respect.

"Students and staff are on first names with one another and we work in a restorative way modelling workplace practices.

"Destinations are outstanding with students leaving the UTC career and life ready. We are incredibly proud to be named as the happiest school in County Durham!"

Slava, a Year 13 Student, said: "Having teachers who laugh, are happy, and encourage you to discuss topics in detail, makes students curious about their lessons.

"The UTC is an open and light building with bright colours so that also makes it a really happy place to be." 

Framwellgate Moor School ranks as the second happiest secondary school in County Durham.

The head teacher of Framwellgate Moor School, Michael Wright, focuses on an environment where kids can do well because they feel safe and happy, first.

Framwellgate Moor School (Image: Sarah Caldecott) Michael Wright, who now lives in Whitley Bay, and studied at Durham University, said: "I feel really pleased. 

"I think every parent wants their kids to be happy.  we think as a school children should feel safe and happy, so that they can learn.

"Education is also about the sort of person you are when you leave education."

The third happiest school as per the parent view survey results is Sedgefield Community College.  

Sedgefield Community College is a part of the Laidlaw Schools Trust and has 975 students.

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The head Teacher, Paul Fleming, said: "As a school, we place great importance on the happiness of all members of our school community: students and staff.

"We know that when children feel happy at school, they are best placed to achieve their full potential. 

"With this in mind, we work hard to provide all of our students with a range of exciting and extraordinary experiences during their time at the school. 

"As well as this, rewarding our students for their excellent attitude is central to what we do."