Bernard Gilpin Primary School
Houghton le Spring, DH5 8DA · Sunderland · primary school
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2nd 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.9/10 against 3,249 of them, against 9.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.82 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 28.0 · 97 | 25% | 2.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bernard Gilpin Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 28.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in 2022-11.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs including Lego STEM, Cinema Club, Bernard's Masterchef, Drama & Music, Art & Design, and Gaming & Computing. Sports cover football, yoga, basketball, fitness, netball, and dance. Trips include visits to Bamburgh, Bowes Museum, and Derwent Hill. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 417 pupils against a stated capacity of 400. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How does the curriculum integrate the named STEM and arts clubs into daily learning?
What Ofsted said about Bernard Gilpin Primary School
Overview
Pupils receive an “exceptional education and care” at this school, where adults maintain “the highest expectations” of achievement. The report describes a culture of “mutual respect” and “exemplary attitudes to learning,” with pupils demonstrating “exemplary behaviour” and a “strong work ethic.”
Strengths
- Leaders have designed an “ambitious, creative curriculum” that “exceeds the expectations of the national curriculum” and is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Staff possess “excellent subject knowledge” and engage in high-quality professional development, ensuring pupils build knowledge progressively across subjects like mathematics, science, and English.
- Pupils develop strong leadership skills through roles such as “sports leaders” and “school councillors,” while also excelling in arts, sports, and cultural activities at regional and national levels.
- The school fosters a supportive community where pupils are “incredibly supportive of one another,” celebrate individual differences, and understand the importance of equalities and respect.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with leaders establishing a “strong culture of vigilance” and staff working in unison with external professionals to identify dangers and reduce risk factors for pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 86% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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
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