SchoolScoresSt Aidan's Catholic Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Boys only · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of BISHOP CHADWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Willowbank Road, Ashbrooke, Sunderland, SR2 7HJ
0191 520 0333 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 18 February 2025, Ofsted graded each area separately. It stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
96 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Sunderland comparisons use the 6 of its 13 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 7 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 98% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 98% | 87% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 2nd highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 96% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 98% | 90% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 97% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 97% | 86% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 24 parents whose child had been bullied 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 62% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 54% | 43% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 59 parents who had raised a concern 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 96% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 90% | 72% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 15 parents of children with SEND 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 99% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 93% | 72% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 2nd highest of 6 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 95% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 96%said yes | 83% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 10%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Sunderland figures pool parents at the Sunderland schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
123 pupils in this year group.
63% — 21 points above the Sunderland average, and 17 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 63% | 42% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 51.2 | 43.3 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.7 | 3.8 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
127 pupils in this year group.
92% — 6 points above the Sunderland average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 92% | 86% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 51% | 21% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 35% | 53% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 7% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 99% | 92% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
61 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | C- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 21% | 20% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 50% | 44% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 33.0 | 28.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
18 subjects, 152 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 10% | 40% | 40% |
| Biology | 21 | 0% | 19% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 17 | 6% | 6% | 30% |
| Business Studies:Single | 12 | 0% | 17% | 16% |
| Economics | 10 | 0% | 20% | 26% |
| Physics | 10 | 10% | 30% | 31% |
| Religious Studies | 9 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| Geography | 6 | 17% | 33% | 23% |
| History | 6 | 0% | 17% | 23% |
| Sociology | 6 | 0% | 17% | 20% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (3d Studies), Art and Design (Fine Art), Psychology, Spanish, Media/Film/Tv Studies, Art and Design (Photography), English Literature, Mathematics (Further).
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
68 students in this year group.
93% — 19 points above the Sunderland average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 93% | 74% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 12% | 12% | 7% |
| Work | 16% | 26% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 93% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
83 students in this year group.
77% — 33 points above the Sunderland average, and 17 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 77% | 44% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 24% | 10% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 80% | 77% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Sunderland. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 179 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 176 |
| Of those, offered a place | 173 (98%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 289 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.0 · 2025: 1.0 · 2026: 1.0
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 12th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 29% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.5% | 36.6%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 13th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 4% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 0.5% | 2.5%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 13th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 22% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0% | 16.5%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 2nd highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 73% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 25.1% | 7.3%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Lower than 85% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.1% | 9.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 2nd lowest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Lower than 73% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 18.6% | 27.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 4th lowest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Lower than 62% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.4 | 45.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 4th lowest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Lower than 57% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.9% | 11.4% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded4 pupils | 0.40% | 0.68% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 4th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 83% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.6 | 16.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 1st highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 98% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 16.0 | 11.8 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 6th highest of 13 state secondary schools in Sunderland. Higher than 27% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 9.7% | 12.0%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Thornhill Academy 0.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 33% grade 5+ English and maths
- Argyle House School 0.4 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Southmoor Academy 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2022 · 49% grade 5+ English and maths
- St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 48% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hopespring Sunderland 0.6 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
- Venerable Bede CofE Academy 1.3 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 39% grade 5+ English and maths
- Sandhill View Academy 1.7 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2025: 2 strong, 3 expected, 1 needs attention · 49% grade 5+ English and maths
- Christ's College 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 43% grade 5+ English and maths
- Farringdon Community Academy 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 strong, 4 expected · 50% grade 5+ English and maths
- Academy 360 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 19% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St Aidan's Catholic Academy's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 18 February 2025, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did St Aidan's Catholic Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 63% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 17 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St Aidan's Catholic Academy?
96% of the 96 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend St Aidan's Catholic Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St Aidan's Catholic Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 176 families put St Aidan's Catholic Academy as their first choice for 179 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 173 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 139538.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.