Hetton Primary School, Houghton le Spring

From the headteacher's welcome: "We continue to work tirelessly everyday, to make our school, the best place for your children. Our children are wonderful. The children work extremely hard, are well behaved and take full advantage of all of the opportunities that we provide. We are proud to serve our local community and are grateful for the support everyone offers to us."

The school runs after-school care, from £3 per day.

In 2025, 62% of Year 6 pupils at Hetton Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 65% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 78% in Sunderland and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (63% in reading, 66% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 21 families put Hetton Primary School as their first choice and 43 named it as one of their preferences, for 21 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Hetton Primary School are Hetton Lyons Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 68% reading, 85% maths); East Rainton Primary School (1 mile, Good, 72% reading, 83% maths); Eppleton Academy Primary School (1 mile, Good, 73% reading, 77% maths); and Easington Lane Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 74% reading, 74% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Hetton Primary School.

40.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 2.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (86%) and Mixed (6%).

In 2026, 46 pupils (22.3%) received SEN support and 3 (1.5%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a moderate learning difficulty.

Hetton Primary School had 11 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Hetton Primary School.

12 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Moorsley Road-Eskdale Street (ne-bound), 160 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 78 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Sunderland (148).

In 2024/25, Hetton Primary School issued 8 suspensions, 4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Hetton Primary School are Hetton Academy (0.1 miles) and Kepier (1.7 miles).