As parents navigate the complexities of the school application process, the focus turns to selecting the right primary school for their children. For those with children entering Reception, the selection period can be overwhelming, marked by open days and application forms. With primary school applications now open, an analysis of Tyne and Wear’s top-performing state primary schools has emerged, highlighting institutions that excel in essential academic skills.
This evaluation focuses on schools in the Tyne and Wear region, which includes Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland. The assessment is based on the proportion of pupils who completed Year 6 in the most recent academic year, the 2023/24 school year, and met the Government’s expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. The finalized data reveals significant distinctions among schools, and while some schools may share similar performance percentages, they have been organized alphabetically for clarity.
The performance metrics underline the importance of academic achievement, but they do not capture the entire picture of a school’s environment. Each school listed has received a positive rating from Ofsted, the official body responsible for inspecting schools in England. Schools included in this list have achieved either a ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ rating under the previous inspection framework or demonstrated positive ratings across all categories in recent assessments. These measures encompass the quality of education, student behaviour, leadership, and safeguarding practices, ensuring that each institution meets or exceeds governmental standards.
Top 20 Primary Schools in Tyne and Wear
Leading the list is St Leonard’s Primary Academy, located in Silksworth, Sunderland. This Catholic primary academy has a roll size of approximately 150 pupils and received an overall rating of ‘good’ from Ofsted. In the 2023/24 school year, an impressive 100% of its pupils met the Government’s expected standards for reading, writing, and mathematics, significantly higher than the local average of 65% and the national average of 61%.
Following closely is St Oswald’s Catholic Primary Academy, situated in Gosforth, Newcastle. With about 209 pupils enrolled, this academy also holds a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted. During the same school year, 97% of its students achieved the expected standards in core subjects, compared to local averages of 63% and a national average of 61%.
Another noteworthy institution is Biddick Hall Junior School in South Shields, which accommodates pupils from the age of 7. This local authority-maintained school has a roll size of around 228. Recent Ofsted inspections have rated it as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ across all categories. For the 2023/24 school year, 91% of its students reached the Government’s standards in reading, writing, and mathematics, again exceeding local and national averages.
Lastly, Benedict Biscop Anglican Primary Academy, located in Sunderland, has about 304 pupils. This academy has been assessed as ‘outstanding’ in all categories by Ofsted. In the 2023/24 school year, 90% of its pupils met the Government’s expected standards, well above the local average of 65% and the national average of 61%.
This analysis serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking the best educational opportunities for their children in Tyne and Wear. As the school year progresses, the focus remains on fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
