Blackfell Primary School
Washington, NE37 1HA · Sunderland · primary school
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36th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.5/10 against 1,749 of them, against 8.6/10 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 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Blackfell Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in February 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join gardening and STEM challenge clubs, participate in arts and crafts, and visit Gibside National Trust. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 142 pupils against a stated capacity of 246. 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 new Ofsted framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Blackfell Primary School
Overview
Blackfell Primary School is fulfilling the expected standard of education, with pupils achieving broadly in line with national averages by the end of key stage 2. The report highlights a positive culture where pupils feel safe and valued, supported by strong leadership and effective systems for attendance and behaviour. While disadvantaged pupils achieve well, the inspection identifies specific areas for improvement in early years provision and the consistency of teaching across mixed-year groups.
Strengths
- Disadvantaged pupils achieve well due to targeted work to "remove barriers to their achievement."
- Pupils behave well in a "positive, safe and inclusive learning environment" guided by clear school rules.
- Staff are knowledgeable, and the curriculum is "sequenced well" so pupils retain key knowledge.
- Inclusion is prioritised, with clear processes to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Parents and carers are "overwhelmingly positive" about the new leadership and the support provided.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must tailor the curriculum more effectively for older pupils in mixed-year groups to ensure appropriate challenge.
- Teaching needs to identify and address misconceptions and gaps in knowledge more promptly to prevent learning delays.
- The early years curriculum requires strengthening to ensure children have sufficient opportunities to apply reading, writing, and mathematical knowledge independently.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| 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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