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.

Sunderland has 81 primary schools, of which 11 (14%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 70 rated Good — 100% of primary schools in Sunderland are rated Good or Outstanding overall. St Paul's CofE Primary School currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Sunderland follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

81
Total schools
11
Outstanding
14%
Outstanding rate
66.5%
Avg KS2 SATs
38.2
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 St Paul's CofE Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 92 View school
🥈 Bernard Gilpin Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 91 View school
🥉 St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland
Primary
 Good 88 View school
4. Fulwell Junior School
Primary
 Outstanding 87 View school
5. Bexhill Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 87 View school
6. St John Boste Catholic Primary School, Washington
Primary
 Outstanding 86 View school
7. St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland
Primary
 Good 85 View school
8. St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Houghton
Primary
 Good 84 View school
9. Valley Road Academy
Primary
 Good 83 View school
10. St Leonard's Catholic Primary School, Silksworth
Primary
 Good 83 View school
11. Biddick Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
12. St Anne's Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
13. Highfield Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
14. East Herrington Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
15. Hill View Junior Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
16. Grindon Infant School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
17. Seaburn Dene Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
18. Blackfell Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
19. Ryhope Infant School Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school
20. Barnes Infant Academy
Primary
 Good 80 View school

Related lists for Sunderland

All schools in SunderlandPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in SunderlandYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Sunderland11 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Sunderland

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

Search schools in Sunderland

Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Sunderland?
There are 81 primary schools in Sunderland, of which 11 (14%) 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 St Paul's CofE Primary 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?
14% of primary schools in Sunderland are rated Outstanding and 86% 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.