Willow Wood Community Primary School
Sunderland, SR5 5AU · Sunderland · primary school
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26th 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 — 9.1/10 against 615 of them, against 7.1/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| 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.
Willow Wood Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 9.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 290 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse needs of the student body?
What Ofsted said about Willow Wood Community Primary School
Overview
Willow Wood Community Primary School is described as a "happy and welcoming place" where pupils "enjoy learning" and feel safe. Leaders have raised expectations since the previous inspection, resulting in improved outcomes and a broad, well-planned curriculum. The school is rated as 'Good' for overall effectiveness, with 'Outstanding' behaviour and attitudes.
Strengths
- Behaviour is "exceptional," with lessons and playtimes being "calm and orderly" and bullying being "extremely rare."
- Staff have "considerable expertise" and strong subject knowledge, ensuring pupils have a "thorough understanding" of what they have learned.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "keep up with their peers and achieve well" due to effective support plans.
- Most pupils become "fluent readers" by the end of key stage 1 thanks to a well-implemented phonics programme.
- Early years provision is strong, with children being "well prepared for their move to key stage 1" through a well-designed curriculum.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should implement plans to further develop reading provision so that pupils who do not read at home develop a "love of reading" and are fully prepared for secondary education.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with robust processes for reporting concerns and strong oversight from governors.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 48% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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