Southmoor Academy Review 2026: Aspire, Achieve, Enjoy

In the Grangetown area of Sunderland, where the school converted from community status to academy in 2012, Southmoor Academy has built something distinctive. The school's motto, "Aspire, Achieve, Enjoy," runs through everything from the classroom to the RAF Air Cadets' headquarters in Southmoor House. With 1,436 students spanning ages 11 to 18, the academy serves a community where a third of pupils qualify for pupil premium funding, yet achieves results that confound assumptions about disadvantage. Led since September 2021 by Joanne Maw, the school rates as Good from its most recent Ofsted inspection in September 2022, having earned the Schools Week award for Social Mobility Champion in 2019. Sixth form students achieved a 100% pass rate at A-level in 2025, with over 80% securing grades A* to C, positioning the academy in the top tier regionally for post-16 progression.

The school has established a deliberate culture. Inspectors found that pupils and staff share an understanding of three core expectations: be ready, be respectful, be safe. This is not theoretical. Classroom behaviour is calm and purposeful. When teachers speak of their students, they describe young people who take pride in their work and their school uniform, who arrive punctually, and who respond well to the ambitious expectations set for them. The relationship between staff and students is notably warm; pupils speak of feeling supported and known.

The academy consciously serves its community. Leadership has positioned the school not as escape from local disadvantage but as engine for social mobility within it. That distinction matters. Families here appreciate the practical support on offer — careers guidance that brings over 50 employers annually, mental health staff accessible when needed, a dedicated attendance team working alongside pupils struggling to engage. The personal development curriculum is deliberate and broad, covering topics that challenge stereotypes and foster inclusion, with external partners from mental health charities and local faith leaders reinforcing the teaching.

Pupils engage enthusiastically in school life beyond lessons. The school production draws significant participation, as do the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme, the National Citizenship Service, and activities that extend far beyond what timetabled lessons require. Many students balance rigorous academic study with genuine enrichment, developing skills and confidence alongside their formal qualifications.

Southmoor Academy ranks 1,801st in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle band of schools across the country. The school's average attainment 8 score was 45.8, closely aligned with the England average of 45.9. At GCSE, 21% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above across the English Baccalaureate spectrum, compared to the England average of 41%, reflecting the composition of the cohort and the pathways chosen by students across the school.

Progress 8 measures how pupils develop from their starting points in primary school. The school's Progress 8 score of -0.28 indicates that whilst pupils make progress, this is slightly below the England average, a detail worth considering alongside the challenging demographics the school serves. Pupil premium students and those with identified special educational needs receive targeted support to close gaps, and leaders recognise this as an area of continued focus.

The sixth form has established notable momentum. In 2025, 100% of students achieved a pass (grade E or above), and over 80% secured grades A* to C, marking sustained improvement in post-16 outcomes. The school ranks 791st in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it solidly within the top tier locally. A-level entry ranges across 20+ subjects including Drama, Engineering, Geography, Health and Social Care, History, Hospitality and Catering, Media, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Psychology, Religious Education, Science, and Sociology. Sixth form students benefit from a bespoke curriculum designed to support the transition from GCSE intensity to independent study, with demanding targets and expert teaching across all fields.

Lessons follow clear structures. Teachers explain ideas clearly and check understanding regularly, addressing misconceptions as they arise. Reading is a priority across the entire curriculum. All subjects weave in "smart reading" tasks, improving pupils' general comprehension whilst building subject-specific vocabulary. For pupils struggling with reading, trained staff provide additional support and intervention, helping develop fluency and independence.

Teaching has received investment. Staff have been trained in supporting pupils with SEND, leading to more careful consideration of how learning is broken down into manageable steps. Individual pupil support plans inform everyday classroom decisions. The curriculum itself has been redesigned to stretch students and prepare them for both GCSE and post-secondary pathways, with recognition of local labour market needs and clear progression routes to higher education embedded throughout.

The school embraces vocational pathways alongside traditional academics. Cambridge Nationals are available for those seeking qualifications outside the standard A-level or GCSE structure. This breadth reflects the school's stated mission: to provide every student with a route aligned to their interests and aptitudes.

At 16, very few pupils leave without a clear destination. The careers programme is a recognised strength. An annual careers fair brings employment and training providers directly into school. Links with universities are active and developed. Pupils understand their options whether progressing to sixth form, further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

In 2024, the leavers cohort saw 68% progress to university, 10% enter apprenticeships, and 12% move directly into employment. The sixth form's focus on university readiness is evident in cohort outcomes. Students are heading to universities across the UK to study Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Sports Journalism, Nursing, and Primary Education, among other disciplines. In recent years, the school has sent students to diverse institutions, reflecting a genuine spread of progression routes rather than concentration at single providers.

Camps International expeditions extend the education beyond the classroom. Small groups of pupils embark on overseas trips including Kenya, combining personal development with service and cultural immersion. In the same spirit, sixth formers have travelled to Berlin for language immersion and cultural exploration, visiting Christmas markets and historical sites across the German capital.

The breadth of enrichment is substantial. Wednesday afternoons are designated enrichment time, with Period 6 freed of scheduled lessons between 2:40pm and 4:00pm, allowing students to pursue clubs and activities. Wednesday attendance is encouraged rather than compulsory, though the school actively invites participation.

Music and Drama

Drama students engage in regular school productions that command participation and audience. The school has welcomed industry professionals into workshops; local singer-songwriter Tom A Smith, signed to UK Record Label Fiction, has visited to share his path from open mic nights alongside local talent like Sam Fender. The Drama department's curriculum extends into sixth form, with dedicated KS5 provision and visiting practitioners bringing professional experience directly into teaching.

Music provision spans classical, contemporary, and vocal work. The school offers piano, string, and wind tuition, with specialist teachers guiding students through grades and performance opportunities.

Combined Cadet Force

The RAF Air Cadets section operates from Southmoor House and represents a major enrichment offer. Open to students aged 12 and above, the CCF delivers adventurous training including trekking, mountain biking, paddlesports, and expeditions, typically on weekends. Cadets receive RAF uniforms free of charge (after six weeks' commitment) and achieve nationally-recognised communications and cyber awards. The section operates under Ministry of Defence oversight with parade evenings on Mondays from 3:35pm to 5:35pm. In 2024, staff and cadets were invited to a reception at St James's Palace, where they met His Majesty the King — recognition of the programme's excellence and support from the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund. Radio communications equipment at the cadets' headquarters enables students to achieve multiple nationally-recognised qualifications.

Sports and Physical Activities

Sports provision spans traditional and developing activities. Hockey taster sessions at the Raich Carter Sports Centre engage interested pupils. Year 11 students have undertaken sports taster days at Durham University, exploring higher education pathways whilst developing athletic skills. The school's sports culture is inclusive, with opportunities for all abilities alongside competitive teams and fixtures.

Expeditions and Travel

Beyond Berlin trips and Camps International expeditions to Kenya, the school supports regular educational visits. School trips to historical sites, museums, and cultural destinations embed learning beyond the classroom. Year 11 cohorts regularly participate in university visits and subject-specific experiences, broadening horizons and clarifying career interests.

Enrichment Clubs and Societies

The curriculum menu advertises regular clubs in maths, science, languages, and the arts. The School Council provides formal student leadership. Mental Health Advice drop-ins offer wellbeing support. Peer support schemes link sixth formers with younger students to reinforce learning and build community.

Students have opportunities in photography, film, coding, and creative writing. The Young Writers scheme has seen Southmoor pupils' poetry published in anthologies following competitions on topics of personal significance. The 12 Days of Christmas celebration weaves music, quizzes, fundraising, and festive activities throughout December, embedding enrichment into the school calendar.

The sixth form opened in September 2014 and was designed with a specific vision: to offer post-16 education combining the focus and support of a traditional sixth form with the flexibility and freedom of a college model. The custom-designed curriculum and timetable support the transition from GCSE intensity to independent A-level study. Students engage in work experience, developing employability skills and real-world context for their studies. Entry requirements are clear, and students benefit from freshly-qualified, enthusiastic staff alongside experienced teachers, creating a blend of energy and expertise.

Admissions to Year 7 proceed through the standard coordinated arrangements with Sunderland City Council. In the most recent data, 435 applications pursued 237 places, making entry competitive. The school is non-selective and community-based, serving pupils from across the local authority.

Sixth form entry is available to those achieving GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics, with subject-specific requirements for some A-level choices. Students from other schools are welcome to apply, and the sixth form actively recruits beyond the school's own Year 11 cohort.

The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm, organised around a 58-period fortnight totalling 29 hours per week. Lunch facilities are available on-site. Uniform is required and taken seriously; pupils take pride in their appearance, supported by clear guidance from leadership.

Transport links serve the Ryhope area of Sunderland, with local bus routes providing access. The school is accessible from across Sunderland via coordinated public transport.

The pastoral system is structured and personal. Tutor groups form the foundation, with forms typically consisting of 6-8 pupils and a dedicated staff member. Safeguarding arrangements are effective and thorough. Staff understand local risks and vulnerabilities, with pupils quickly identified when support is needed. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong, meaning young people feel confident speaking to a trusted adult.

Mental health support is integrated. Pupils speak positively of staff efforts to support their wellbeing. A school counsellor visits regularly. Personal Development lessons explicitly address mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation. External agencies including the NHS and mental health charities are engaged, extending the school's reach beyond its own staff.

For pupils with SEND, support is considered, consistent, and evaluated through individual pupil support plans. Teachers have received training in differentiation and in breaking learning down into manageable steps. Classroom assistants work effectively to enable pupils with identified needs to access learning at an appropriate level.

The Bridge is an alternative provision space within school, supporting pupils at risk of exclusion to reintegrate successfully. This reflects the school's commitment to inclusion and to finding routes for every student to engage.

Attendance remains a challenge for some pupils. Whilst most attend regularly and the majority of the sixth form demonstrates strong commitment, a significant minority have poor attendance, placing them at academic and social disadvantage. The dedicated attendance team employs multiple strategies, but this requires close partnership with families and pupils. If your child has attendance anxiety or patterns of absence, clarify the school's response capacity.

Catchment context matters. One-third of the school's cohort is eligible for pupil premium funding, reflecting the socioeconomic profile of the area served. This is not a weakness — the school has been recognised for its social mobility work — but it is the lived reality of the learning community and shapes resources, priorities, and peer context. Some families seek schools in more affluent catchments; others value exactly this diversity and community rootedness.

A-level progress is strong but building. The sixth form is young (opened 2014) and is improving rapidly. Recent cohorts have achieved excellent outcomes, but this momentum is still recent. If you are deciding between sixth form options, the progression at Southmoor is genuine and accelerating, though some parents seek more established traditions or specialist provision.

Southmoor Academy is a school rooted firmly in its community and committed to proving that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds can achieve at the highest levels. The latest Ofsted rating of Good, combined with A-level pass rates of 100% and improving GCSE outcomes, demonstrates that this commitment is delivering. The school is best suited to families within Sunderland who value authentic community engagement, clear behaviour expectations, and high aspirations married with practical pastoral support. The enrichment programme — from the RAF Air Cadets to Camps International expeditions, from drama productions to careers mentoring — is broad and genuine. Pupils here are not passive recipients of education; they are active agents in their own development. For families wanting a school where their child will be known, challenged, and supported to exceed expectations, Southmoor delivers.