Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Penshaw
Station Road, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7JZOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Penshaw is a primary school in Houghton le Spring for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 122 schools in Sunderland. It ranks 50th of 73 primary schools in Sunderland. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in April 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 8 April 2025, report published 20 May 2025
This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 8 April 2025
Attending Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School is a happy experience for pupils. They are eager to learn and proud of their success. Pupils enjoy learning, feel happy and build good relationships. The school's rules 'ready, respectful, safe' are clear in daily life. Staff and pupils share warm, caring relationships. The school's inclusive environment makes every child feel welcome and valued. After a time of leadership changes, the school has grown stronger. It has improved its curriculum, helping pupils to do well. High expectations are in place for every pupil, and they often meet these goals. Most pupils achieve well. Learning at the school is exciting and memorable. Pupils have the chance to meet inspiring authors, explore museums and local landmarks and take part in a wide range of events and clubs. These experiences make lessons come alive, sparking curiosity and a love for learning. From creative writing workshops to after-school activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy and grow their skills. Pupils behave very well. They show respect and politeness in their interactions. Learning happens in a calm, focused setting with few disruptions. Bullying is rare and dealt with quickly. Staff listen to pupils, making them feel safe and cared for.
What the school should improve
- In a small number of lessons, some aspects of the school's effective approach to learning are not consistently applied. Some teachers do not always engage pupils with learning and sometimes do not fully check pupils' understanding or provide the precise feedback pupils need. Pupils do not learn as well as they should in these lessons. The school needs to ensure that it continues to train and support staff to enable the consistent implementation of the school's curriculum across all lessons to maximise pupil engagement, understanding and achievement.
- Some parts of the early years environment lack rich and meaningful learning opportunities, especially for reception-age children. Some children are not using these areas to learn more and practise new skills. The school needs to ensure that all areas of early years provision support effective learning and development for all children.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
48 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
291 pupils on roll, with places for 353
Schools near Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, Penshaw
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnwell Academy | 0.2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 63% met the expected standard |
| New Penshaw Academy | 0.4 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
- BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Roman Catholic
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Claire Garbutt
- Phone
- 01913854545
- Address
- Station Road, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7JZ
- Local authority
- Sunderland
- URN
- 147139
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.