Bernard Gilpin Primary School
106%
Capacity
422
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Bernard Gilpin Primary School
Bernard Gilpin Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Sunderland community, welcoming children from age 5 to 11. The school has 422 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (106% of 400 places).
the school is led by headteacher Andrew Bainbridge, it falls under Sunderland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 83% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 1007th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 73 in Sunderland.
Bernard Gilpin Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 107 applications for 60 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 64 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bernard Gilpin Primary School include Dining Hall, Sensory Room, ICT Suite, Outdoor Playground, Playing Fields, Forest School, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Football, Tennis, Cricket, as well as clubs including Choir, Chess, Coding, Film Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.5%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Sunderland, Bernard Gilpin Primary School is one of the options available in the North East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 5 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Hall Lane, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, DH5 8DA |
| Headteacher | Andrew Bainbridge |
| Local Authority | Sunderland |
| Number of Pupils | 422 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.5% |
| School Capacity | 422 / 400 (106% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Sept 2022Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 13 Nov 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (83%)
1007th of 13,686
Nationally
49th of 677
In North East
8th of 73
In Sunderland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
83%
Expected Standard
23%
Higher Standard
'22/23
86%
'23/24
83%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed60
107
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
64 families put this school as their 1st choice (60% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bernard Gilpin Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Hall Lane, Houghton le Spring
Sunderland, DH5 8DA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Bernard Gilpin Primary School!
Write a Review