Hetton Lyons Primary School
Houghton le Spring, DH5 0AH · Sunderland · primary school
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64th 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 — 5.4/10 against 2,559 of 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.40 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hetton Lyons Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools). The most recent inspection took place in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Band, School Choir, Houghton Area Youth Band, and Sunderland Youth Choir, alongside instrumental tuition and singing assemblies. Both a breakfast club and an after-school club are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 431 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 the roll exceeds the physical capacity? What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in maths? How are the music clubs structured for children who are new to an instrument?
What Ofsted said about Hetton Lyons Primary School
Overview
Hetton Lyons Primary School provides a high-quality education where pupils "thrive" and are "eminently well prepared for life in modern Britain." The report highlights a "carefully designed, responsive curriculum" and "extremely well planned" pastoral care as significant strengths, creating a safe and inclusive environment. While most areas meet the expected standard, personal development is rated at a strong standard.
Strengths
- Pupils' personal development is a "significant strength," underpinned by effective partnerships and a comprehensive programme that ensures they are "very well prepared for life beyond school."
- Pastoral care is "extremely well planned," with a graduated approach that meets pupils' emotional and mental health needs "exceptionally well."
- Leaders demonstrate an "effective and proactive approach" to attendance and behaviour, resulting in a "safe, respectful environment" where disruption is rare.
- Inclusion is placed "at the heart of the school's work," with prompt identification of needs and effective support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- The curriculum is "ambitious, broad and balanced," with coherent sequencing that enables pupils to build knowledge over time.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should strengthen teachers' use of assessment to consistently understand pupils' starting points and progress, as current practices are "not consistent across the school."
- Leaders are addressing the fact that "too few pupils reached the higher standard in reading" and that progress in writing for some pupils could be better.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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