See which Wearside and Sunderland schools made the top 10 in new league tables

The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 ranks all the country’s secondary, primary, and independent schools based on their academic attainment - GSCEs and A Levels in secondary schools and Year 6 test results for primary schools.

St Mary's RC Primary School in Sunderland was placed in fifth position in the North East’s Top 10 primary schools. It was the only Sunderland school to make the North East top 10 for both primary, secondary, and independent schools.

After being informed of St Mary’s position in the new table, the school’s headteacher Martin Clephane said: “We are delighted that the outstanding work and strong community spirit at St Mary’s, Sunderland, has been recognised in the Sunday Times list of top North East schools.

“While excellent academic results are an important part of what we do, they represent only one element of the character development we champion.

“Our core values of Belief, Rights, Environment and Wellbeing are embedded throughout every aspect of school life.

“Thanks to the dedication of our staff and the support of our families and parish, we believe we offer something truly special and distinctive.”

The school is part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.

The Trust’s CEO Brendan Tapping said: “We are delighted to see St. Mary’s recognised as one of the top five schools in the North East in the Sunday Times rankings. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication and belief shown every day by our staff, pupils and their families.

“At Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, we are committed to nurturing excellence, fostering ambition and supporting every child to flourish academically, personally and spiritually.

“St Mary’s success reflects these values in action, demonstrating what is possible when a school community works together to ensure that every young person is empowered to become the very best version of themselves. Well done to all involved.”

Whilst there were no Sunderland schools in the Sunday Times North East Top 10 secondary schools list, their was reason to celebrate in Durham City where St Leonard's RC School was named as the North East’s State Secondary School of the Year, State Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence, and Comprehensive School of the Year.

Headteacher, Chris Hammill said: “Credit for these awards belongs to our entire community of families, pupils, teachers, support staff and governors.

“We are blessed to have such supportive families, and we would not have won these awards without their support.

“The awards recognise the incredible results of our students at A Level and GCSE as well as our equally strong enrichment offer and work in the wider community. All our work is underpinned by our core mission and belief that ‘all pupils are known and loved’ and this remains our constant focus for each and every pupil in our school.”

The school is part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust.

Acting CEO Lucie Stephenson said: “This is a remarkable accomplishment for St Leonard’s and a testament to the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the entire school community.

“The leadership, staff, students and families have demonstrated outstanding focus and teamwork, and these awards recognise their achievements.

“We are enormously proud of St Leonard’s and delighted to see the school celebrated at a national level.”

In second place in the top 10 North East Secondary Schools was Durham Johnston Comprehensive School.

Headteacher Rosslyn McFadden said: “We are very proud of the achievements of our students and their hard work which is resulted in excellent outcomes and ambitious destinations.

“Our students embody our core values and we are proud to provide them with an excellent well rounded, comprehensive education.”

The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 gives parents the chance to search a national database of more than 2,000 schools by name, local authority, town and postcode.

As well as an assessment of academic results on a school-by-school basis, Parent Power enables parents to compare the performance of a given school with other schools in the same area, local authority or nationally.

Helen Davies, editor of the Guide, said: “The educational landscape is testing – budget challenges, rising student mental health issues, special educational needs and an increasingly uncertain future.

“But there is also so much to celebrate from the dedication of teachers who are finding ever more innovative and impactful ways to enrich their students and give them the very best start in life.

“As well as celebrating the academic excellence of the top schools it is uplifting to see how they are shaping their students to be ready for the 21st century, and instilling a lifelong love of learning.”