Best Secondary Schools in Sunderland 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 16 schools across Sunderland. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

Outstanding rate

66.5%

Avg KS2 SATs

38.2

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy Secondary	Outstanding	68	View school
🥈	St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington Secondary	Good	59	View school
🥉	Southmoor Academy Secondary	Good	57	View school
4.	St Aidan's Catholic Academy Secondary	Good	54	View school
5.	Castle View Enterprise Academy Secondary	Good	49	View school
6.	Oxclose Community Academy Secondary	Good	45	View school
7.	Kepier Secondary	Requires Improvement	44	View school
8.	Hetton Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	44	View school
9.	Venerable Bede Church of England Academy Secondary	Good	42	View school
10.	Red House Academy Secondary	Good	41	View school
11.	Biddick Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	41	View school
12.	Farringdon Community Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	39	View school
13.	Sandhill View Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	39	View school
14.	Monkwearmouth Academy Secondary	Inadequate	35	View school
15.	Thornhill Academy Secondary	Inadequate	29	View school
16.	Washington Academy Secondary	Inadequate	22	View school

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

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Sunderland?

There are 16 secondary schools in Sunderland, of which 1 (6%) 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 Anthony's Girls' Catholic 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?

6% of secondary schools in Sunderland are rated Outstanding and 44% 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.