Rickleton Primary School
Washington, NE38 9EZ · Sunderland · primary school
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4th 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 — 9.4/10 against 4,212 of them, against 9.4/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 89.0 · 97 | 62% | 5.96 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 38% | 3.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Rickleton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 89.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 18.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.4 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Arts Award Club and participate in football, girls' football, athletics, cross country, netball, swimming, cricket, and disability athletics. Trips include visits to the Hatton Gallery and the Sunderland Empire.
Getting in
The published school roll is 450 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 do not reach the expected standard in their daily lessons? What specific support is available for pupils with disabilities during athletics sessions? How are places allocated if demand exceeds the 30 currently available spots?
What Ofsted said about Rickleton Primary School
Overview
Pupils attend a school where “excellence is the norm” and high expectations are consistently realised across all year groups. The report describes an environment where pupils are “happy, safe and proud,” benefiting from a curriculum tailored to local heritage and a strong focus on personal development. Leaders ensure staff workload is manageable while maintaining rigorous oversight, resulting in exceptional outcomes for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “rich and ambitious,” well sequenced to build knowledge coherently, with pupils making “strong links between previous and current learning.”
- Reading provision is highly effective, with a “well-established phonics programme” ensuring pupils become “fluent and confident readers,” including those with additional needs.
- Provision for pupils with SEND is “carefully planned,” with staff adept at adapting lessons so these pupils “achieve extremely well” alongside peers.
- Behaviour is “exemplary at all times,” with pupils showing high levels of respect and taking responsibility for meeting the school’s expectations.
- Personal development is exceptional, with pupils demonstrating an “empathetic understanding of equality” and engaging in extensive leadership roles such as “mini medic” or “eco-councillor.”
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 84% |
| 2024/25 | 89% |
| 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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