Hetton Academy
Houghton le Spring, DH5 9JZ · Sunderland · secondary school
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2nd 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 — 8.9/10 against 449 of them, against 7.4/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 59.8 · 81 | 46% | 3.74 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.18 · 63 | 38% | 2.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.2 · 78 | 15% | 1.20 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hetton Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 51.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.18 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 681 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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 support pupils in raising their English and maths grades to the national standard? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about Hetton Academy
Overview
Hetton Academy is described as a "rapidly improving school" where leaders have successfully embarked on transforming provision. The report highlights that pupils’ performance in external examinations has improved rapidly, with outcomes now "well above local and national averages."
Strengths
- Staff maintain "high expectations for pupils’ conduct," resulting in a "calm" school environment where pupils feel safe.
- Subject leaders have clearly defined the curriculum, and staff are "well trained to teach the curriculum and check that pupils have understood their learning."
- The school quickly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), leading to increased outcomes for this group.
- Attendance has improved, with a "reduction in persistent absence" for key groups following targeted support.
- An "inspiring careers programme" ensures most pupils move on to destinations that align with their future goals.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should address gaps in personal development for older pupils, particularly regarding relationships education, to ensure they are "fully prepared for life after school."
- Leaders should embed the positive climate for learning further to reduce the currently high rates of suspension.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.1 |
| 2024/25 | 51.8 |
| 2025/26 | 52.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
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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