Barbara Priestman Academy
Meadowside, Sunderland, SR2 7QNOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Barbara Priestman Academy is a special school in Sunderland for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 122 schools in Sunderland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 January 2015, report published 19 February 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 26 March 2024
Pupils feel safe and happy at Barbara Priestman Academy. They describe confidently how staff listen and give them the support they need. Many parents and carers speak highly of the positive difference that the school has made to their children's well-being and development. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, behave well. Lessons are calm and purposeful. Pupils enjoy learning, and most pupils attend school regularly. They engage positively with the teachers and staff who support them. Pupils are willing to contribute to lessons. They confidently describe to visitors what they are learning. Leaders want all pupils to be 'wonderful adults'. They have high expectations of pupils. Staff use clear routines and thoughtful approaches that help pupils to manage their own behaviour effectively. Pupils are respectful to one another, staff and visitors. As a result, there is a calm atmosphere throughout the school. Pupils benefit from a wide range of personal development opportunities. These include residential trips and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Some pupils enjoy experiences such as performing in dance shows. Enrichment clubs help to further develop pupils' talents and interests. Members of the student council are proud that they have had a say in improving their school's outdoor spaces.
What the school should improve
- Some aspects of the recently introduced English and communication curriculum need further time to embed. Staff need additional time and support to deliver these new curriculum developments consistently well. The school should ensure that subject leaders monitor developments in their subjects to ensure the curriculum is equally strong in all subject areas.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
27 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
189 pupils on roll, with places for 178
Schools near Barbara Priestman Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashbrooke School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 0.8 |
| Thornhill Park School | 0.7 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Not published |
| Sunningdale School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Outstanding | 0% met the expected standard |
| North View Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Portland Academy | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
School details
- School type
- Academy special converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE ASCENT ACADEMIES' TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr Graeme Musson
- Phone
- 03339991453
- Address
- Meadowside, Sunderland, SR2 7QN
- Local authority
- Sunderland
- URN
- 138530
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.