Best Primary & Secondary Schools in Sunderland 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 125 schools across Sunderland. Updated with 2025–26 data.

125

Total schools

Outstanding

15%

Outstanding rate

66.5%

Avg KS2 SATs

38.2

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Houghton Le Spring Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥈	Hylton Red House Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
🥉	Oxclose Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
4.	Mill Hill Nursery School Nursery	Outstanding	95	View school
5.	Sunningdale School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
6.	Harry Watts Academy Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
7.	Columbia Grange School Not applicable	Outstanding	95	View school
8.	St Paul's CofE Primary School Primary	Outstanding	92	View school
9.	Bernard Gilpin Primary School Primary	Outstanding	91	View school
10.	St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland Primary	Good	88	View school
11.	Fulwell Junior School Primary	Outstanding	87	View school
12.	Bexhill Academy Primary	Outstanding	87	View school
13.	St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington Primary	Outstanding	86	View school
14.	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland Primary	Good	85	View school
15.	St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Houghton Primary	Good	84	View school
16.	Valley Road Academy Primary	Good	83	View school
17.	St Leonard's Catholic Primary School, Silksworth Primary	Good	83	View school
18.	Biddick Primary School Primary	Good	82	View school
19.	St Anne's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary	Good	82	View school
20.	Highfield Academy Primary	Good	81	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary & secondary schools are there in Sunderland?

There are 125 primary & secondary schools in Sunderland, of which 19 (15%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Sunderland?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Sunderland is Houghton Le Spring Nursery School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Sunderland?

Primary and secondary school applications in Sunderland are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Sunderland council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Sunderland?

15% of primary & secondary schools in Sunderland are rated Outstanding and 79% are rated Good. 84% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.