Best Primary Schools in Sunderland 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 81 schools across Sunderland. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

12%

Outstanding rate

66.5%

Avg KS2 SATs

38.2

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy Primary	Outstanding	84	View school
🥈	St Paul's CofE Primary School Primary	Outstanding	79	View school
🥉	St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Houghton Primary	Outstanding	76	View school
4.	St Leonard's Catholic Primary School, Silksworth Primary	Good	76	View school
5.	Valley Road Academy Primary	Good	75	View school
6.	Fulwell Junior School Primary	Outstanding	75	View school
7.	Bernard Gilpin Primary School Primary	Good	74	View school
8.	St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington Primary	Good	73	View school
9.	Bexhill Academy Primary	Good	72	View school
10.	East Rainton Primary School Primary	Good	71	View school
11.	Blackfell Primary School Primary	Good	71	View school
12.	Holley Park Academy Primary	Good	71	View school
13.	St Anne's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary	Good	71	View school
14.	Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Penshaw Primary	Outstanding	71	View school
15.	St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland Primary	Good	70	View school
16.	Rickleton Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
17.	St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland Primary	Good	70	View school
18.	Hudson Road Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
19.	St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland Primary	Outstanding	70	View school
20.	Shiney Row Primary School Primary	Good	69	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Sunderland?

There are 81 primary schools in Sunderland, of which 10 (12%) 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 Benedict Biscop Church of England Academy. 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?

12% of primary schools in Sunderland are rated Outstanding and 84% 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.