Tyne and Wear

Biddick Academy Receives Positive Inspection Report In Washington

By

Lisa Hayes
8 May 2026, 1:06 pm

Biddick Academy in Washington has received a positive report from government inspectors following a two-day visit to the school in March 2026. The findings, which were officially published on 10 March 2026 and formally reported on 5 May 2026, highlight progress made by the school since its previous assessment in 2021.

Under the new Ofsted report card system, inspectors evaluated the school across several categories. The academy achieved a strong standard rating for attendance and behaviour, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing. Additionally, the school reached the expected standard for achievement, as well as curriculum and teaching. During the inspection, the team described the academy as calm, ambitious and welcoming, noting that pupils feel safe and valued by staff.

The academy, which is part of the North East Learning Trust, currently serves 1,069 pupils between the ages of 11 and 16. Headteacher Kate Morris, who has led the school since August 2023, joined the school community in celebrating the feedback. The trust is led by CEO Dame Lesley Powell, who was awarded a Damehood in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her long-standing service to education.

The school’s latest performance data from 2025 shows an Attainment 8 score of 43.1, which aligns with the local average of 43.2 for Sunderland. Additionally, 40 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and maths at Key Stage 4. Parents and local families can view the full details of the 2026 inspection and updated performance statistics on the Biddick Academy website.

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