The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2018).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 51.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2018
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
51.2
7.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
63%
20.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
72%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.49
Band 4Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 127 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 16 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 61 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Boys
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 992
- Capacity
- 99%
- FSM
- 19.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Sunderland
- Trust
- BISHOP CHADWICK CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mrs Anne-Marie Whitten (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Willowbank Road, Ashbrooke, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR2 7HJ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmAshbrooke School
Independent · 460m away
Consilium Evolve
Academy · 531m away
Thornhill Academy
Secondary · 537m away
Barbara Priestman School
Special school · 567m away
St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Sunderland
Primary · 567m away
Barbara Priestman Academy
Academy · 567m away
Southmoor Academy
Secondary · 826m away
Hill View Junior Academy
Primary · 863m away
Questions parents ask
Is St Aidan's Catholic Academy a selective school?
No. St Aidan's Catholic Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is St Aidan's Catholic Academy's Ofsted rating?
St Aidan's Catholic Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend St Aidan's Catholic Academy?
St Aidan's Catholic Academy currently has 992 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Aidan's Catholic Academy take?
St Aidan's Catholic Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St Aidan's Catholic Academy?
St Aidan's Catholic Academy is in Sunderland, SR2 7HJ, in the Sunderland local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Aidan's Catholic Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, St Aidan's Catholic Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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