Bernard Gilpin Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 5 to 11
Ofsted: Outstanding

Hall Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8DAOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Bernard Gilpin Primary School is a primary school in Houghton le Spring for ages 5 to 11. It is one of the 122 schools in Sunderland. It ranks 2nd of 73 primary schools in Sunderland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in September 2022.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 21 September 2022, report published 13 November 2022

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 21 September 2022

Pupils receive exceptional education and care at this school. They are extremely proud of the school virtues, which include justice, integrity, positive attitudes and wisdom. Adults have the highest expectations of what pupils can achieve. Pupils respond with exemplary behaviour and a strong work ethic. Pupils work together with adults and with their peers as a strong family community. Pupils recognise that bullying is always a possibility, but they say that it does not happen. If it did, they trust that adults would deal with problems promptly. Pupils feel safe, and they are. Leaders have created a culture of mutual respect and exemplary attitudes to learning. Pupils are exceptionally proud of their high achievements. They develop their leadership skills as sports leaders, breaktime buddies or school councillors. Staff celebrate, and value, pupils' talents inside and outside of school. Many pupils excel in art, dancing, singing or sports, reaching high standards at regional and national events. Pupils are incredibly supportive of one another. They learn what makes a true friend and put that knowledge into practice. Pupils understand the importance of equalities. They celebrate individual differences in people and different cultures. Pupils enjoy baking, yoga or crafts in after-school clubs. They relish the educational visits to the Lake District, London or Paris.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

60 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths87%

87%, 25 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths28%

28%, 20 percentage points above the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score110

110, 4 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score110

110, 5 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score112

112, 7 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

417 pupils on roll, with places for 400

Eligible for free school meals21.6%

21.6%, 4.9 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language1.9%

1.9%, 19.7 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support16.5%

16.5%, 1.7 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan1%

1%, 5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Bernard Gilpin Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Michael's Catholic Primary School, Houghton0.4 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standard87% met the expected standard
Gillas Lane Primary Academy0.4 milesOfsted: Good15% met the expected standard
Burnside Academy Inspires0.7 milesOfsted: Good57% met the expected standard
Eppleton Academy Primary School0.8 milesOfsted judgements: Good62% met the expected standard
Newbottle Primary Academy1 mileReport card: Expected standard68% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
5 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
No
Headteacher
Mr Andrew Bainbridge
Address
Hall Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8DA
Local authority
Sunderland
URN
108830

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.