Plains Farm Academy vs Thorney Close Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in North East, England, 1.3 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Plains Farm Academy
Sunderland · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
164 students
Thorney Close Primary School
Sunderland · Local authority primary · Ages 3–11
289 students
| Measure | Plains Farm Academy Sunderland, North East | Thorney Close Primary School Sunderland, North East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 47 Lower 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #437 of 811 | #520 of 811 |
| National rank | #8740 of 15,697 | #10430 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Academy | Local authority |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 164 | 289 |
| Pupils on roll | 164 | 289 |
| Free school meals | 41.8% | 55% |
| Capacity filled | 68.3% | 91.7% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 65% | 63% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 9% | 7% |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | – |
| EBacc average points | – | – |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Sunderland | Sunderland |
| region | North East | North East |
| Website | www.plainsfarmacademy.co.uk | www.thorneycloseprimary.org.uk |
The verdict
- •Plains Farm Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (46.7 vs 38.7).
- •Plains Farm Academy does better on ks2: reading, writing & maths expected standard (65% vs 63%).
- •Plains Farm Academy does better on ks2: higher standard (9% vs 7%).
- •Thorney Close Primary School is the larger school with 289 students compared with 164.
- •Plains Farm Academy is a academy school while Thorney Close Primary School is a local authority school, so fees and admission rules differ.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Plains Farm Academy better than Thorney Close Primary School?
On the Success Index (England), Plains Farm Academy ranks higher (46.7 vs 38.7 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Plains Farm Academy and Thorney Close Primary School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Sunderland and Sunderland in North East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Plains Farm Academy: 164. Thorney Close Primary School: 289. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Plains Farm Academy and Thorney Close Primary School rank in North East?
Plains Farm Academy is 437th of 811 and Thorney Close Primary School is 520th of 811 among primary schools in North East on the 2025 Success Index (England).