Valley Road Academy
Sunderland, SR2 8PL · Sunderland · primary school
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14th 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 — 9.7/10 against 1,814 of them, against 9.0/10 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 | 85.0 · 94 | 40% | 3.75 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Valley Road Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 85.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 344 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 working towards the expected standard? What specific trips or sports are scheduled for the current term?
What Ofsted said about Valley Road Academy
Overview
Valley Road Academy continues to be a good school, described as a “warm and welcoming” environment where pupils and staff are valued. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in pupils who are happy, feel safe, and work hard in lessons that they find interesting. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with parents particularly appreciating the “working together” approach exemplified by craft afternoons.
Strengths
- Staff are well-trained and deliver an effective reading programme, ensuring pupils enjoy a wide range of books and receive timely support for phonics.
- The curriculum is carefully designed to build curiosity, with teachers sequencing work logically so pupils can link prior learning to new concepts, particularly in mathematics and history.
- Provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “highly effective” for the vast majority, with needs identified promptly and support well-thought-out.
- Pupils demonstrate strong behaviour, showing respect for staff and each other, while bullying is rare and quickly resolved.
- Leaders promote mental well-being effectively through a pupil “Mental Health Ambassadors” programme and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum is not delivered as well as it needs to be for a small number of pupils with complex special educational needs, meaning they are not making as much progress as they could.
- Leaders need to complete their review of curriculum delivery across the school and implement planned improvements within the identified timescale to ensure learning opportunities match the needs of all pupils.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture across the school, rigorous staff checks, and regular training ensuring staff know how to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 89% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 85% |
| 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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