New Penshaw Academy
Houghton le Spring, DH4 7HY · Sunderland · primary school
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61st 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 2.8/10 against 1,688 of them, against 2.5/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
New Penshaw Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 112 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 not yet meeting expected standards in maths? What specific strategies are used to help children progress to the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good rating while addressing the gap in attainment?
What Ofsted said about New Penshaw Academy
Overview
New Penshaw Academy continues to be a good school, providing an inclusive environment where pupils feel welcomed and valued. Leaders have maintained high standards, ensuring that pupils are happy, safe, and motivated to succeed within a nurturing community.
Strengths
- The school offers a "rich and challenging curriculum" that places a strong focus on developing language, communication skills, and reading fluency.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is a strength, with precise help provided through the "Communication Hub" and skilled staff adaptations.
- Pupils demonstrate "delightful" behaviour, showing positive attitudes to learning and pride in their roles within the school community.
- Leaders provide a clear vision and support staff well-being, creating a united team that has "coped admirably" with recent challenges.
- Early years provision is effective, with knowledgeable adults modelling language well to help children develop a "love of learning."
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, opportunities for pupils to revisit and connect prior learning are inconsistent, meaning some pupils do not learn and remember as well as they could.
- A high proportion of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND are absent from school too often, restricting them from achieving well and missing valuable learning experiences.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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