Hetton Primary School
Houghton le Spring, DH5 9ND · Sunderland · primary school
Check the area around this school
57th 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 — 3.5/10 against 1,446 of them, against 2.9/10 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 | 54.0 · 26 | 40% | 1.03 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hetton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 54.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art, Drama, Board Games, Film, Karate, Ukulele, Football, Pound Rockout, and Yoga clubs, alongside a Fitness Camp and Boxercise. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 206 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 who are below the national median in literacy and numeracy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment to the higher standard? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Hetton Primary School
Overview
Hetton Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by "warm and trusting relationships" and high standards of behaviour. Pupils enjoy their time at school, demonstrating enthusiasm for learning and a strong sense of safety and well-being.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "exciting" and meets pupils’ specific needs, fostering curiosity and helping pupils "know and remember more" through linked key ideas.
- Assessment is used effectively, with daily and termly checks ensuring gaps in knowledge are addressed and pupils at risk of falling behind receive extra help.
- Reading provision is strong, with pupils making a "fast start" and becoming "confident and fluent readers" through systematic phonics lessons that "run like clockwork."
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is skilled, with specific plans designed in close collaboration with parents to ensure every pupil can "be the best they can be."
- Staff morale is "very positive," with colleagues described as supportive and leaders actively working to reduce workload and promote well-being.
Areas to improve
- Some foundation subjects are not as well structured as others, meaning the most important knowledge and key concepts are unclear, which limits pupils’ ability to connect new learning with previous knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 45% |
| 2023/24 | 63% |
| 2024/25 | 54% |
| 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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