Southmoor Academy
About Southmoor Academy
Southmoor Academy is a large, mixed secondary school in Sunderland that is currently oversubscribed, a clear sign of its local popularity. With 1,392 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,264, the school is running above its official limit. For the 2025/26 intake, it received 435 applications for 237 places, with 272 of those as first preferences, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.84. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 32.8%, which is significantly above the national average and reflects the school's role in serving a diverse local community. The headteacher is Joanne Maw, and the school has no religious character. It also has a dedicated sixth form, offering continuity for students who want to stay on after Year 11.
Key Details
The full report on this school
What 251 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Sept 2022Latest monitoring visit (28 Sept 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jan 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
School day
Teaching hours
08:30 – 15:30
Source: southmoorschool.co.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Southmoor 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