Thorney Close Primary School

  • Primary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 3 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Torquay Road, Sunderland, SR3 4BBOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Thorney Close Primary School is a primary school in Sunderland for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 122 schools in Sunderland. It ranks 31st of 41 primary schools in Sunderland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in September 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 12 September 2023, report published 13 November 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 September 2023

Thorney Close Primary School is a place where pupils thrive. The school's motto, 'where learning blossoms', encompasses the school's belief that all pupils have a right to a high-quality education. The school ensures that opportunities apply equally to all pupils, irrespective of the barriers they may face in life. Pupils feel happy and safe in school. They feel well supported by trusted adults who help them if they have any worries. Pupils are proud of their school. Their behaviour is exemplary. The school's three rules, 'be ready, be respectful and be safe', are followed by everyone. Pupils develop mutual respect for each other. Relationships are a strength of the school. Adults know pupils well and go the extra mile to make sure that their time in school is a memorable one. The school is rightly proud of the high-quality support it provides to pupils and their families. Leaders' knowledge of the community and local area informs the design of the curriculum. Pupils are prepared for life beyond the school. They enjoy beach school, trips to local landmarks and theatre visits. They also have the opportunity to visit London. Such trips broaden their horizons.

What the school should improve

  • In some areas of learning, the school is still to consider how the early years curriculum best equips children for what they will learn in some foundation subjects in key stage 1. Some children are not as prepared as they might be for their next steps. The school should ensure that the links between the early years and key stage 1 curriculums are better aligned to further enhance pupils' learning as they progress through the school.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

41 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths63%

63%, 1 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths7%

7%, 1 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score104

104, 2 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score105

105, the same as the England average.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

289 pupils on roll, with places for 315

Eligible for free school meals49.1%

49.1%, 22.6 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language10%

10%, 11.6 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support19.7%

19.7%, 4.9 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.8%

4.8%, 1.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Thorney Close Primary School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Hasting Hill Academy0.4 milesOfsted: Good55% met the expected standard
Farringdon Academy0.4 milesOfsted: Good60% met the expected standard
St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland0.6 milesOfsted judgements: Good to outstanding74% met the expected standard
Broadway Junior School0.8 milesOfsted: Good55% met the expected standard
Plains Farm Academy0.8 milesOfsted: Good65% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Catherine Jones
Address
Torquay Road, Sunderland, SR3 4BB
Local authority
Sunderland
URN
108828

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.