SchoolScoresSt Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
Biddick Lane, Washington, NE38 8AF
0191 716 1700 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 7 March 2012. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
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 | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 11 October 2023: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
147 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Sunderland comparisons use the 8 of its 18 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 10 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 5th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 35% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78% | 83% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 5th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 33% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 80% | 84% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 7th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 27% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 66% | 78% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 55 parents whose child had been bullied 5th highest of 7 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 20% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 38% | 44% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 114 parents who had raised a concern Joint 6th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 21% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 56% | 64% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 5th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Sunderland. Higher than 32% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 71%said yes | 76% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. 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
250 pupils in this year group.
49% — 7 points above the Sunderland average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 49% | 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. | 48.9 | 43.3 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.3 | 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.
220 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 | 54% | 21% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 29% | 53% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 7% | 7% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 97% | 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
152 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 | 23% | 20% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 42% | 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. | 31.3 | 28.3 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
26 subjects, 398 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 40 | 13% | 40% | 40% |
| Psychology | 33 | 0% | 21% | 19% |
| Business Studies:Single | 29 | 3% | 3% | 16% |
| Biology | 25 | 12% | 20% | 27% |
| History | 24 | 13% | 38% | 23% |
| Law | 24 | 0% | 8% | 17% |
| Chemistry | 23 | 13% | 39% | 30% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 21 | 0% | 14% | 14% |
| Economics | 20 | 5% | 5% | 26% |
| Geography | 20 | 5% | 25% | 23% |
| Sociology | 19 | 5% | 11% | 20% |
| English Literature | 16 | 6% | 31% | 23% |
| Physics | 15 | 20% | 33% | 31% |
| Religious Studies | 14 | 0% | 14% | 22% |
| English Language | 13 | 0% | 15% | 13% |
| Government and Politics | 13 | 31% | 54% | 26% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 11 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 10 | 0% | 10% | 24% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 6 | 0% | 33% | 38% |
| Art and Design (Photography) | 6 | 0% | 17% | 26% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Drama and Theatre Studies, Art and Design (Textiles), Mathematics (Further), Spanish, Design and Technology (Product Design), French.
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.
206 students in this year group.
90% — 16 points above the Sunderland average, and 11 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. | 90% | 74% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 10% | 12% | 7% |
| Work | 20% | 26% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 87% | 90% |
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.
219 students in this year group.
70% — 26 points above the Sunderland average, and 10 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Sunderland | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 70% | 44% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 29% | 10% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 69% | 70% |
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 1 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 209 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 230 |
| Of those, offered a place | 202 (88%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 462 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.1 · 2025: 1.2 · 2026: 1.1
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 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 21% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 16.9% | 36.6%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 25% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 1.9% | 2.5%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 18% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 9.2% | 16.5%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 24% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 5.4% | 7.3%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Lower than 61% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.8% | 9.6%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Lower than 61% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 21.2% | 27.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Lower than 43% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 17.4 | 45.2 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 1st lowest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Lower than 51% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.6% | 11.4% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.06% | 0.68% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 81% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.4 | 16.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 97% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 15.7 | 11.8 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 2nd highest of 4 state secondary schools in Washington. Higher than 88% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 23.3% | 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
- Biddick Academy 0.3 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 4 strong, 2 expected · 39% grade 5+ English and maths
- Oxclose Community Academy 1.1 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 31% grade 5+ English and maths
- Washington Academy 1.5 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 4 expected, 2 needs attention · 22% grade 5+ English and maths
- Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2025: 1 strong, 6 expected · 49% grade 5+ English and maths
- Park View School 3.0 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington's Ofsted rating?
St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 7 March 2012. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 11 October 2023, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 49% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 3 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington?
71% of the 147 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 230 families put St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington as their first choice for 209 places: about 1 first-choice applications for every place. 202 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 147142.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- 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.