Sunderland has 11 special schools with a published Ofsted grade. At their latest inspection 2 were outstanding or exceptional and 80% good or better, against 90% of special schools across England. The most recent was inspected on 26 Oct 2026. Source: Ofsted inspection reports (Open Government Licence v3).
- 2 outstanding or exceptional
- 6 good, strong or expected
- 2 requires improvement or needs attention
- 0 inadequate or urgent improvement
| Special schools | Latest grade | Inspected | Postcode area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Watts Academy | Outstanding | 14 Jul 2023 | SR5 |
| Sunningdale School | Outstanding | 30 Jan 2018 | SR3 |
| Ashbrooke School | Good | 25 Sept 2025 | SR2 |
| Barbara Priestman Academy | Good | 13 Nov 2018 | SR2 |
| Education and Services for People with Autism | Good | 11 Nov 2016 | SR5 |
| North View Academy | Good | 25 Apr 2018 | SR4 |
| Portland Academy | Good | 27 Nov 2019 | SR3 |
| The Poplars | Good | 15 Jan 2025 | DH4 |
| Thornhill Park School | Needs attention | 12 May 2026 | SR3 |
| Trinity Academy New Bridge | Requires improvement | 26 Apr 2023 | SR5 |
| Endeavour SR | No grade | 26 Oct 2026 | SR1 |