Barnwell Academy
Houghton le Spring, DH4 7RT · Sunderland · primary school
Check the area around this school
31st of 73 primary schools in Sunderland we can score, 81 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,158 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 4.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barnwell Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 4.6 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Barnwell Buddies, School Council, Lego Therapy and Fun Friends. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 302 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is offered to pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating while managing a high intake?
What Ofsted said about Barnwell Academy
Overview
Barnwell Academy is described as a school where pupils achieve extremely well and ‘love’ attending due to the supportive environment. Leaders ensure the quality of education is ‘exceptional’, with an ‘exemplary curriculum’ that exceeds national expectations and prepares pupils exceptionally well for their next stage of education. The report highlights high levels of respect, excellent behaviour, and a strong focus on personal development through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Strengths
- Teachers possess ‘expert knowledge’ of their subjects and ensure pupils make ‘excellent progress’ from their starting points.
- The curriculum is ‘exemplary’, with a significant focus on subject-specific vocabulary and applying knowledge in different contexts.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported ‘exceptionally well’, allowing them to achieve extremely well.
- Behaviour and attitudes are ‘exemplary’, with bullying being ‘very rare’ and pupils feeling safe and encouraged to share worries.
- Leaders provide ‘high-quality professional development’ for staff and are invited to share their ‘excellent practice’ with other schools.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with a ‘strong safeguarding culture’ where staff receive up-to-date training and concerns are acted upon promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 87% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DH4 7RT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT