St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Washington
Village Lane, Washington, NE38 7HUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Washington is a primary school in Washington for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 122 schools in Sunderland. It ranks 10th of 17 primary schools in Washington. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 8 November 2023, report published 18 December 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- 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 November 2023
Pupils enjoy being part of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and they are proud of it. Pupils are happy and safe here. The school has high expectations of pupils' behaviour and achievements. This reflects in the everyday life of the school, where pupils are well mannered and treat one another with kindness and respect. They take pride in their work and are keen to talk about what they have learned. The school, with support from Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, has worked hard to ensure that pupils benefit from an aspirational curriculum. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well in most subjects. They are well prepared for the next stages of their education. The school has strong links with the parish. Citizenship threads through all aspects of school life, underpinned by core faith values. Pupils make a positive impact within their community. They are involved in events and fundraising initiatives, including raising money through craft and hamper sales for harvest and Christmas. Pupils say they enjoy the residential visits and the visits they take part in within their curriculum. They enjoy attending a range of clubs that are on offer. Pupils are currently working with the school council to develop an even more exciting range of clubs.
What the school should improve
- In a small number of subjects, such as geography and history, the school is in the process of transitioning to new curriculums. The school has correctly identified that their priority is to ensure full and effective implementation of these new curriculums so that pupils' knowledge and understanding always builds well on what they already know and can do across all curriculum subjects.
- In mathematics, the work provided for most-able pupils is sometimes too easy. This hampers pupils' ability to make rapid progress and achieve their full potential. The school needs to ensure the curriculum provides effective challenge for the most-able pupils throughout lessons and in the activities they complete.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
32 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
227 pupils on roll, with places for 236
Schools near St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Washington
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wessington Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 23% met the expected standard |
| John F Kennedy Primary School | 0.5 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | 65% met the expected standard |
| Biddick Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 83% met the expected standard |
| Barmston Village Primary School | 0.5 miles | Ofsted: Good | 60% met the expected standard |
| Albany Village Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | 57% 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 Elizabeth Maher
- Phone
- 01919172484
- Address
- Village Lane, Washington, NE38 7HU
- Local authority
- Sunderland
- URN
- 147123
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.