St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington
Washington, NE38 0HL · Sunderland · primary school
Check the area around this school
12th 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 — 7.0/10 against 4,258 of them, against 7.0/10 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 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.28 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the 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 (7.0 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Toukon Martial Arts club and participate in football, rugby, athletics, gymnastics, hula hooping, dancing, archery, and multisport. Year 6 students attend a residential trip to Derwent Hill in 2026, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 178 pupils against a stated capacity of 223. 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 higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school prepare Year 6 pupils for the Derwent Hill residential?
What Ofsted said about St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington
Overview
Pupils at this school “thrive” within a “warm and nurturing environment” where adults expect them to achieve excellence. The report describes a school where children are “polite, confident and very well behaved,” leaving Year 6 as “well-rounded individuals” ready for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious and stimulating,” with a “unique and rigorous” approach that ensures pupils make strong links between subjects.
- Reading is central to the school’s success; teachers are “experts in the teaching of early reading” and deliver lessons with “confidence and consistency.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “supported effectively” and achieve highly across the curriculum through bespoke support.
- Behaviour is “exemplary,” with a “calm and friendly atmosphere” and very little low-level disruption.
- Leaders ensure staff receive “high-quality training,” resulting in strong subject knowledge and effective checking for understanding.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| 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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