Durham Gateway, part of the Bishop Auckland College Group, provides a dedicated and supportive learning environment for 14–16-year-olds who may find mainstream education challenging
Since launching in 2018, Durham Gateway has focused on delivering an inclusive, skills-based education that blends GCSEs, vocational training, and employability skills.
Located within Bishop Auckland College, we help students gain the qualifications, confidence, and life skills they need to move on to apprenticeships, further education, or employment.
Our tailored programmes combine academic learning, hands-on vocational experience, and personal development, empowering young people to build a positive pathway to their future.
Through specialist support and enriching activities, Durham Gateway nurtures each student’s potential, helping them grow, thrive, and succeed.
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information? Get in touch with us today and we will be happy to assist you.
FAQ's
Enrolment at Durham Gateway is handled exclusively through referrals from schools, academies, or local authorities. If you believe this specialist provision is suitable for your child, please contact your current school to discuss a referral.
If a referral is accepted, the commissioner will be contacted with details about the financial requirements, the support offered, the earliest possible start date, and a deadline for accepting the offer. An induction process will then be arranged for the student.
The induction process involves:
- An introduction to Durham Gateway, expectations, and curriculum options
- Participation in vocational taster sessions
- Initial assessments of academic and employability skills
- Target setting and formulation of individual support plans
- Assignment of a pastoral mentor
- Information on safeguarding, equality, and diversity
Progress is tracked through ongoing assessments, individual target reviews using Etracker, and pastoral meetings with assigned mentors. Regular reviews are conducted with commissioners to ensure the best outcomes for students.
