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Biddick Academy

Washington, NE38 8AL · Sunderland · secondary school

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Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Expected standard Mixed Secondary
6.6/10 Above average

3rd of 18 secondary schools in Sunderland we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.

Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.9/10 against 815 of them, against 5.6/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Ofsted 84 35% 2.94
Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 55.9 · 75 30% 2.25
Progress 8 2023/24 -0.25 · 31 25% 0.77
Attainment 8 2025/26 48.2 · 61 10% 0.61

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Biddick Academy overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 39.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.25 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally similar peers. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.

Getting in

The published school roll is 1,002 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,100. 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

With Progress 8 below 0, how does the school support students to close the gap with similar-intake peers? Since the March 2026 inspection uses separate area grades, which specific areas received the lowest scores?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Biddick Academy

Inspection report dated 10 March 2026

Overview

Biddick Academy is described as a "calm, ambitious and welcoming school" where leaders have driven "rapid and lasting improvement" since joining the trust. The report highlights a strong culture of inclusion and high expectations, with pupils feeling "safe, known and valued."

Strengths

  • Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "Strong standard," with leaders acting quickly to support pupils and establish clear routines.
  • Inclusion is a "Strong standard," featuring thorough systems to identify needs and a "Unity Centre" resourced provision where pupils with complex needs "thrive."
  • Leadership and governance are rated at a "Strong standard," with governors providing "high-quality support and challenge" and staff reporting "high morale."
  • Personal development is rated at a "Strong standard," with effective programmes on relationships, safety, and British values, alongside notable pupil leadership initiatives.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders should "continue to fully embed the new curriculum to further improve outcomes for pupils."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Progress 8
-0.25
2023/24
Attainment 8
48.2
2025/26
Demand
×0.93
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
30%
vs 30% across England

Results over time

Attainment 8, the years we hold.

43.9 2023/24
42.5 2024/25
48.2 2025/26
44.9 England
Attainment 8 for Biddick Academy
YearAttainment 8
2023/2443.9
2024/2542.5
2025/2648.2
England44.9

Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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

  • Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
  • Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
  • Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
  • Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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