St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington

Q: Is St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington a good school?

Ofsted rated the school Good at its last graded inspection on 11 October 2023. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded C, 4th of 18 secondary schools in Sunderland. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

Q: What are St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington averaged an Attainment 8 score of 44.8 (England: 46.2). 42.2% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

Q: How do I apply for a place at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington?

Applications for Year 7 places at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington starting in September 2027 close on 31 October 2026. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2027 (or the next working day).

Biddick Lane, Washington, NE38 8AF

Local ranking4th of 18 secondary schools in Sunderland

Ofsted: GoodUpdated

Secondary

Phase

1550

Capacity

11-18

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · 2025 A-levels · Ofsted inspection 11 October 2023. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 44.8 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 42.2% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 66.7% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 237

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 92.0%
Continued in education: 83.0%
Apprenticeships: 7.0%
Employment: 2.0%
Not sustained: 7.0%

After A-Levels 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 90.0%
Higher education: 54.0%
Apprenticeships: 10.0%
Employment: 20.0%
Not sustained: 7.0%

A-Level Results

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Avg A-Level Grade

31.3

Avg Points/Entry

nat 35.0

33.1

Best 3 A-Levels

nat 35.8

152

A-Level Students

AAB+ with Facilitating: 18.3% nat17.5%
Applied General Avg Points: 29.1
16-18 Cohort: 395

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 1588
Boys: 765 (50%)
Girls: 762 (50%)
Capacity: 1550 (99% full)
SEND: 11.1%
FSM Eligible: 16.9%
EAL: 5.4%
SEN with EHC Plan: 1.9%
SEN Support: 9.2%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 16.5:1
Teachers (FTE): 96.3
Budget per Pupil: £7,434/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 7.8% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 21.2% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Academy converter
Phase: Secondary
Religious Character: Roman Catholic
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 87.8%
White Other: 2.5%
Black African: 2.1%
Asian Other: 1.8%
Asian Indian: 1.6%
Mixed White & Asian: 1.0%
Mixed White & Black African: 0.9%
Asian Chinese: 0.6%

87.8%

White British

2.5%

White Other

2.1%

Black African

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01917161700

school@str.bwcet.com

Visit website

Biddick Lane

Washington, North East

Open in full map

Administrative

URN: 147142
UKPRN: 10083667
Establishment No.: 4609
Trust: BISHOP WILKINSON CATHOLIC EDUCATION TRUST

Common questions about St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington

Explore schools in Sunderland

Often compared with

Parents weighing up St Robert of Newminster Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Washington usually look at the nearest secondary schools too. Put them side by side on results, inspection and intake.