From January this year (2026) Ofsted have introduced a new inspection framework on which schools and nurseries are assessed, and a number of the city’s schools and nurseries have already been inspected by the education watchdog.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to schools and nurseries with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
Check out the report card and judgements given to Sunderland schools and nurseries inspected this year.
5. Sandhill View Academy
Sandhill View Academy was judged to have two areas at a strong standard, three at the expected standard, and one in need of attention. Inclusion and personal development and wellbeing were deemed to be at a strong standard, achievement, curriculum and teaching, and leadership and governance at the expected standard, and attendance is in need of attention. | Local Library
6. John F Kennedy Primary School.
John F Kennedy Primary School was judged to be meeting the expected standard in five areas with two areas needing attention. Attendance and behaviour, Early Years, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing were all deemed to be at the expected standard. Achievement and curriculum and teaching were deemed to be in need of attention. | Google
7. New Beginnings part of Southwick Community Primary School
New Beginnings, which is part of Southwick Community Primary School, was judged as working at a strong standard in two areas and meeting the expected standard in four areas. Children's welfare and wellbeing, and behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines was deemed to be at a strong standard. Achievement, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance were deemed to be meeting the expected standard. | New Beginnings
8. Little Treasures Nursery
Little Treasures Nursery was judged to be meeting the expected standard in all areas. Achievement, behaviour, attitudes and establishing routines, children's welfare and wellbeing, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, and leadership and governance were all deemed to be meeting the expected standard. | Iconic