Monkwearmouth Academy
Sunderland, SR6 8LG · Sunderland · secondary school
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12th of 18 secondary schools in Sunderland we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.5/10 against 826 of them, against 3.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 38.4 · 33 | 30% | 1.00 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.21 · 34 | 25% | 0.85 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.8 · 33 | 10% | 0.33 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Monkwearmouth Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.21 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the iDEA club, play football, or participate in Sea Cadets. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 810 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,516. 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 to improve their progress scores? What specific activities are included in the iDEA club? How does the after-school club operate on days with sports fixtures?
What Ofsted said about Monkwearmouth Academy
Overview
Monkwearmouth Academy is described as a “rapidly improving school” where pupils benefit from a “curriculum for life” and a culture of tolerance. The report highlights that most pupils behave well, are courteous, and receive high levels of care and support from staff who know them well.
Strengths
- Leaders have planned an “ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum” in most subjects, helping pupils build knowledge over time.
- Personal, social and health education is a strength, with pupils learning how to “keep themselves safe and healthy” and respecting those different to themselves.
- The school offers a wide range of opportunities through ‘ME time’, including clubs and leadership roles, preparing pupils for future education and employment.
- Staff are supported by the trust, with consideration given to their workload and well-being, and safeguarding arrangements are “effective”.
Areas to improve
- The school must continue to develop strategies to support attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, as low attendance is limiting their progress and examination results.
- Curriculum planning in a minority of subjects lacks detail; the school must ensure all subjects cover content in depth and identify precisely the important knowledge pupils need to learn.
- The school must improve communication with parents, including those of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to address concerns and reduce frustration.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.2 |
| 2024/25 | 45.8 |
| 2025/26 | 42.8 |
| 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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