Hetton Academy
75%
Capacity
671
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Hetton Academy
Hetton Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Sunderland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 671 pupils on roll, operating at 75% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Hetton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Vicky Pinkney, it falls under Sunderland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.18 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.1. Additionally, ranked 1118th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 17 in Sunderland.
Hetton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 185 applications for 128 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 119 were first-preference applications.
Hetton Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 56% recommending the school (59 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Hetton Academy include Library, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Science Labs, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Hockey, Cross Country, Football and 2 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Drama, Newspaper, Science Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 43.4%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Sunderland, Hetton Academy 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | North Road, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, DH5 9JZ |
| Headteacher | Vicky Pinkney |
| Local Authority | Sunderland |
| Number of Pupils | 671 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 43.4% |
| School Capacity | 671 / 900 (75% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
10 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 28 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.18)
1118th of 3,141
Nationally
30th of 142
In North East
2nd of 17
In Sunderland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
59 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed128
185
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
119 families put this school as their 1st choice (64% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hetton Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
North Road, Houghton le Spring
Sunderland, DH5 9JZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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