Thornhill Academy
54%
Capacity
564
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Thornhill Academy
Thornhill Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Sunderland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 564 pupils on roll, operating at 54% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Thornhill Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Liam Clark, it falls under Sunderland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.40 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.2. Additionally, ranked 2456th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 13th out of 17 in Sunderland.
Thornhill Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 119 applications for 56 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 51 were first-preference applications.
Thornhill Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 97% recommending the school (70 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Thornhill Academy include Playing Fields, Art Studios, Theatre, Astro Turf, Library, Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Netball, Rowing, Cross Country and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Model UN, Newspaper and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 45.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Sunderland, Thornhill 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 | Thornholme Road, Sunderland, Sunderland, SR2 7NA |
| Headteacher | Liam Clark |
| Local Authority | Sunderland |
| Number of Pupils | 564 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 45.7% |
| School Capacity | 564 / 1,050 (54% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
1 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.40)
2456th of 3,141
Nationally
96th of 142
In North East
13th 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.
Ofsted Parent View
70 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed56
119
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
51 families put this school as their 1st choice (43% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thornhill 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
Thornholme Road, Sunderland
Sunderland, SR2 7NA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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