Plains Farm Academy
Sunderland, SR3 1SU · Sunderland · primary school
Check the area around this school
39th 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 — 6.8/10 against 1,620 of them, against 5.5/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 9.0 · 61 | 25% | 1.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Plains Farm Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 9.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the choir and youth club, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 164 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 expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the youth club sessions?
What Ofsted said about Plains Farm Academy
Overview
Plains Farm Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The report describes a “nurturing, warm and supportive school” where pupils “flourish because they are cared for deeply.” Leaders have created an atmosphere where respect is commonplace and expectations are high, ensuring pupils feel happy and safe.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour and are “routinely kind to each other,” showing deep consideration for one another’s needs.
- The school provides “exceptional support for pupils with SEND,” with staff working “relentlessly to remove any barriers” to learning.
- A “carefully designed and sequenced curriculum” ensures clear knowledge progression, supported by effective strategies in subjects like science and English to help pupils recall key facts.
- Early years provision is strong, with a “sharp focus on early reading” and highly skilled staff delivering phonic sessions that quickly identify and support those at risk.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities and visits, such as the ‘Inspired’ programme, which prepares them for life in modern Britain.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure that successful strategies to help pupils retain and use key knowledge are used consistently across the full curriculum, rather than just in specific subjects.
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 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 68% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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