Bernard Gilpin Primary School Review 2026: Exceptionally Strong Results in County Durham

When the Reverend Bernard Gilpin set out to establish a grammar school in the 16th century, he embedded education for all into the very foundation of his legacy. The modern primary school bearing his name carries that spirit forward with extraordinary determination. Ranked 725th in England and first in its local area, Bernard Gilpin Primary School delivers results that place it among the top 5% of primary schools nationally (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 93% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school serves approximately 400 pupils from Reception through Year 6 in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, with an outstanding Ofsted rating achieved in September 2022. The learning environment has been redesigned around ambitious curriculum expectations, and two mini buses enable frequent educational visits. For families in Houghton-le-Spring seeking a state primary with consistently strong outcomes, this is among the most selective entry points in the local authority.

The 16th-century namesake of this school, Bernard Gilpin, was known as the "Apostle of the North," a clergyman who championed education and community service in equal measure. The modern school that bears his name channels that same commitment to both academic excellence and serving the wider community. Mr Andrew Bainbridge leads the school as headteacher, overseeing an institution that blends strong expectations with genuine warmth.

Walking the school's corridors, the values — Courtesy, Good Manners, and Learning Excellence — appear throughout. These are not decorative; they shape behaviour policy, curriculum design, and the everyday interactions between staff and pupils. Behaviour is described as exemplary, with pupils demonstrating strong work ethic and respect for both adults and peers.

The school's philosophy emphasises that teaching children is a privilege. This shapes how learning is adapted and designed around each pupil's needs and interests. The building itself has undergone continuous improvement. Recent investments in the learning environment include redesigned curriculum spaces and outdoor facilities. The school is designated as Dementia Friendly, a distinction reflecting both community engagement and social awareness education integrated throughout the year. This commitment earned the school High Commendation in the inaugural Dementia Friendly Awards, with pupils and staff demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for supporting their communities.

The atmosphere balances academic ambition with wellbeing. The school holds the Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark (2022), acknowledging systematic investment in emotional wellbeing for children, families, and staff. Pupils develop resilience skills to cope with adult challenges. This integration of academic rigour with pastoral care is not incidental; it defines the school's character.

Key Stage 2 Attainment

Bernard Gilpin Primary School delivers exceptional results. In 2024, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. This represents a 31%age-point advantage over the national benchmark. Reading scaled scores averaged 109, well above the England average of 100. Mathematics achieved an average scaled score of 109, again above average. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling attained an average scaled score of 110, further ahead.

The school ranks 725th in England for primary attainment (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Locally, it ranks first among primary schools in Houghton-le-Spring, the strongest position achievable in its peer group. Historical data indicates the school ranks in the top 2% of schools by progress measures, suggesting that pupils make above-average progress from their starting points.

At higher standards, 49% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, mathematics, and grammar/punctuation/spelling, compared to the England average of 8%. This four-fold disparity underscores the school's success in extending higher-attaining pupils. The curriculum content exceeds national expectations, and pupils achieve at levels that reflect both teaching quality and sustained engagement.

The curriculum has been completely redesigned to pursue continuously improved academic standards. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, teaching is structured around clear learning progressions, with teachers checking pupil understanding regularly and adapting subsequent tasks accordingly. This responsive approach ensures pupils are neither under-stretched nor overwhelmed.

Subject teaching includes specialist expertise. French is taught from Year 1 onwards, introducing language learning early and systematically. Mathematics is set from Year 4, allowing differentiated pace and depth for different learners. Science is taught as a discrete subject, alongside integrated topics and thematic approaches to foundation subjects. Art and music receive dedicated curriculum time, taught as discrete subjects to all pupils. Drama, dance, and design technology are integrated into broader topics.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge. This is evident in inspection findings, which highlight expertise and clear explanation. Peripatetic specialists teach music lessons. Most lessons are delivered by class teachers, ensuring continuity and relationship-based learning, while specialist input enriches the curriculum.

The decision to invest in two 17-seater mini buses has transformed learning beyond the classroom. With approximately 175 educational visits per year, pupils access real-world learning experiences directly. Year 3 pupils undertake residential visits; Year 5 and 6 pupils experience multiple overnight stays, including international destinations. These visits provide tangible connection between classroom learning and wider community and cultural understanding.

Reading is a priority. The school uses evidence-based phonics (Letters and Sounds) systematically, with additional support for pupils falling behind. Lexia Reading is available for home access, extending practice beyond school hours. This multi-layered approach supports rapid gains in early literacy.

The school places emotional wellbeing at the centre of its mission. The Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark recognises formal investment in supporting mental health across the pupil and staff communities. This is more than awareness; it translates into structured provision, staff training, and resilience-building woven into the curriculum.

Behaviour is exemplary, supported by clear expectations and consistent implementation. Pupils feel safe and trust adults to handle problems promptly and fairly. Bullying is not an issue at the school, according to Ofsted findings. Safeguarding culture is strong, with staff trained to recognise and respond to concerns. The school works with external professionals to reduce risks and identify vulnerable pupils early.

Pupils with SEND access the same ambitious curriculum, supported by bespoke resources and targeted sessions. The school holds detailed information about each pupil's learning profile and adjusts provision accordingly. Some pupils receive one-to-one support; others benefit from small group intervention. The approach recognises that inclusion means participation in the same learning, not a separate curriculum track.

Sports and Physical Activity

Bernard Gilpin Primary School has achieved the School Games Mark Platinum award since 2017-18, reflecting sustained commitment to developing competitive sport. The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports throughout the academic year, ranging from traditional offerings like football, netball, and rounders to gymnastics, tag rugby, and cross-country running. From Year 3 onwards, competitive teams in major sports compete in local and regional fixtures. A wide range of extra-curricular clubs focus on physical activity and movement: yoga, fitness, and dance clubs run as after-school provisions.

The Great Active Sunderland Schools Charter recognises the school's consecutive Gold achievement since 2017-18, measuring commitment to education, sport, physical activity, and community standards. This demonstrates sustained investment in physical development as central to the school's mission, not an add-on to academic study.

Arts and Music

The school holds the prestigious Artsmark Award, accredited by Arts Council England. This is the only creative quality standard for schools and signifies that arts have a high profile across the curriculum and school community. The assessment team commended Bernard Gilpin for weaving arts into learning and culture in ways that develop character, resilience, and curiosity.

Art and music are taught as discrete subjects to all pupils. A school choir performs regularly at community events, including shopping centres and retirement homes. Peripatetic music lessons are offered throughout the school, with instruments including violin and other strings and woodwinds available. Annual highlights include concerts, a whole-school production at Christmas, and performances integrated into educational visits and community engagement.

Drama is integrated into the curriculum rather than isolated as a separate subject, appearing within topic work and class projects. Pupils participate in performances, speech competitions, and collaborative productions that build confidence and communication skills.

Clubs and Activities

The school offers a wide variety of after-school clubs, including baking, crafts, yoga, and activity-based provisions. Breakfast club runs from 8:00am for early arrivals; after-school clubs extend the school day to 4:15pm. These wraparound provisions support working families and extend time for learning and socialising.

Educational visits are a defining feature. With approximately 175 visits annually, outdoor learning and first-hand experience are integrated into the curriculum systematically. Residential trips from Year 3 onwards include visits to the Lake District (Isle of Wight for Year 6), and international destinations (France, Belgium, London) for older pupils studying specific topics. These are not extras; they are core curriculum delivery, funded through the school budget and integrated into topic planning.

The school's engagement with the community extends to the Bernard Bear Toddler Group, meeting Monday mornings for families with children aged 2-3. This extends the school's influence into early years and supports community integration.

House System and Leadership

The school operates a house system, dividing pupils into vertical groupings that persist throughout their primary careers. This fosters peer leadership, mentoring between older and younger pupils, and a sense of belonging to a community within the school.

Recognition and Awards

The school has accumulated multiple awards reflecting diverse strengths: Bronze Mental Health Charter Mark (2022), School Games Mark Platinum (since 2017-18), Artsmark Gold, and Great Active Sunderland Gold (since 2017-18). These recognitions are not cosmetic; they reflect sustained commitment to areas beyond pure academics. The Dementia Friendly designation is particularly distinctive, showing the school's role in supporting community understanding of social issues and fostering empathy in young people.

Bernard Gilpin Primary School is among the most oversubscribed state primaries in Sunderland City. In the most recent admissions data, 107 applications were received for 60 Reception places, representing an oversubscription ratio of 1.78 applications per place. This is one of the five most oversubscribed primary schools in the local authority.

Admissions are coordinated by Sunderland City Council through coordinated admissions procedures. After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated by distance from the school gates. There is no formal catchment boundary, though the intense demand means distance is typically very tight. Families should contact Sunderland City Council directly for current admissions timelines and last-distance-offered data, as these vary annually.

The school welcomes families through open days (typically held in autumn term). Prospective parents are encouraged to visit the school and speak with staff. Contact the school on 0191 917 2999 or visit www.bernardgilpin.com for specific dates and booking information.

School day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Breakfast club operates from 8:00am, and after-school clubs extend to 4:15pm, supporting families with work commitments. These wraparound provisions are available daily throughout the school term.

The school provides daily breakfast, reflecting the understanding that nutrition supports learning readiness. Peripatetic music lessons incur a separate fee. School meals are available; free school meals eligibility follows standard national criteria.

The school is located at Hall Lane, Houghton-le-Spring, DH5 8DA. Public transport is available, though many families drive or walk depending on distance. The school grounds provide outdoor play areas suitable for primary-age pupils. Sports facilities include a playground and field space for physical education and recreational activities.

Extreme oversubscription. With 1.78 applications per place, securing entry is highly competitive. Distance from the school gates is the primary determinant, meaning families must live in very close proximity. If living more than a short distance away, this school should not be relied upon as a first choice, despite strong results.

High attainment expectations. While the school adapts learning to pupil needs, the overall curriculum operates at high levels of expectation. Pupils are expected to engage actively, persist through challenge, and work towards the same ambitious standards as peers. Families should be comfortable with academic ambition, even as individualised support is provided.

Limited secondary transition choices. Most pupils progress to Houghton Kepier, the nearest secondary school. Grammar school entry is possible but requires preparation; the school does not offer intensive 11-plus tuition. Families seeking specific secondary pathways should verify that their preferred option is accessible from this primary's cohort.

Bernard Gilpin Primary School delivers consistently strong academic results in a school that balances ambitious learning with genuine pastoral care. The top 5% national ranking, combined with exceptional attainment and progress measures, places it among the strongest primary schools in the North East. The school's distinctive character — rooted in community engagement, arts and sport provision, and commitment to emotional wellbeing — adds depth beyond raw test scores. For families within achievable distance, this is an excellent choice. The primary challenge is securing a place. Families should research current distance thresholds carefully before relying on this school and explore alternatives in parallel. Once admitted, pupils access first-rate teaching, rich experiences, and a school genuinely committed to their flourishing.