Barnwell Academy
Whitefield Estate, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7RTOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Barnwell Academy is a primary school in Houghton le Spring for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 122 schools in Sunderland. It ranks 38th of 73 primary schools in Sunderland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 20 June 2023, report published 17 September 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 20 June 2023
This is a school where pupils achieve extremely well. Pupils say that they 'love' coming to this friendly school because 'teachers help you to learn a lot'. Leaders ensure that the quality of education that pupils receive is exceptional. This includes pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Lessons are taught by teachers with expert knowledge of the subjects that they teach. Teachers ensure that pupils make excellent progress from their starting points. In the early years, staff make sure that children understand and follow routines. This helps pupils to learn to cooperate with each other. The high levels of respect seen throughout the school are learned in the early years. Barnwell Buddies help pupils to restore friendships. This means that incidents of bullying are very rare. Pupils are encouraged to share their worries with staff. Staff respond promptly to individual concerns. This helps pupils to feel safe in school. Pupils benefit from a wide range of exciting experiences as they move through the school. Leaders make sure that the programme of extra-curricular activities contributes significantly to pupils' personal development. All pupils learn to play a musical instrument. Many pupils enjoy performing in assemblies and at the 'Sage' in Gateshead.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
32 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
302 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near Barnwell Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Penshaw | 0.2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 67% met the expected standard |
| New Penshaw Academy | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 58% met the expected standard |
| Shiney Row Primary School | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Fatfield Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 74% met the expected standard |
| Bournmoor Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 65% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- TYNE AND WEAR LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Kristopher Sadler
- Phone
- 01915844440
- Address
- Whitefield Estate, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7RT
- Local authority
- Sunderland
- URN
- 140700
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.