Southmoor Academy
110%
Capacity
1,392
Pupils
1.8x
Demand
About Southmoor Academy
Southmoor Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Sunderland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,392 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (110% of 1,264 places).
Ofsted has rated Southmoor Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Joanne Maw, it falls under Sunderland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.28 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 45.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, ranked 2197th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 17 in Sunderland.
Southmoor Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 435 applications for 237 places, making it 1.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 272 were first-preference applications.
Southmoor Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (251 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Southmoor Academy include Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Theatre, Gymnasium, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Dining Hall, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Dance, Swimming, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Chess, Newspaper, Book Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 32.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Sunderland, Southmoor 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Ryhope Road, Sunderland, Sunderland, SR2 7TF |
| Headteacher | Joanne Maw |
| Local Authority | Sunderland |
| Number of Pupils | 1,392 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 32.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,392 / 1,264 (110% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Sept 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (28 Sept 2022): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jan 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.28)
2197th of 3,141
Nationally
83rd of 142
In North East
10th of 17
In Sunderland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.6
'22/23
35.9
'23/24
36.0
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
251 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed237
435
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
272 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
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
Contact Information
Ryhope Road, Sunderland
Sunderland, SR2 7TF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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