Wessington Primary School, Washington

In its own words: "At Wessington we have experienced staff trained to a high level. As well as gaining language, mathematical, scientific and technological skills we aim to build children’s confidence, develop their self-reliance, help them to learn how to make decisions and develop their ability to articulate feelings and ideas."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are incredibly proud of our children and endeavor to create the nurturing school community they deserve, where children excel in their achievements and are inspired to grow and reach their full potential. We provide a welcoming, cheerful and stimulating place of learning."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball and choir.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:20pm, 32.5 hours a week.

In 2025, 47% of Year 6 pupils at Wessington Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 40% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 78% in Sunderland and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 70% in reading and 65% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 21 families put Wessington Primary School as their first choice and 29 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 Wessington Primary School are St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Washington (0.3 miles, Good, 94% reading, 88% maths); Biddick Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 88% reading, 93% maths); John F Kennedy Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 69% reading, 74% maths); and Barmston Village Primary School (0.7 miles, Good, 80% reading, 64% maths).

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

39.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 2.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 61 pupils (28%) received SEN support and 14 (6.4%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

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

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Glebe (e-bound), 100 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Wessington Primary School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In 2024/25, Wessington Primary School issued 7 suspensions, 2.9 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Wessington Primary School are Washington Academy (0.6 miles); Biddick Academy (0.6 miles); Oxclose Community Academy (0.9 miles); and St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington (0.9 miles).