St Aidan's Catholic Academy vs Thornhill Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in North East, England, 536 m apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
St Aidan's Catholic Academy
Sunderland · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,057 students
Thornhill Academy
Sunderland · Academy secondary · Ages 11–16
526 students
| Measure | St Aidan's Catholic Academy Sunderland, North East | Thornhill Academy Sunderland, North East |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 71 Top 25% | 27 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #35 of 185 | #141 of 185 |
| National rank | #972 of 4,090 | #3092 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–16 |
| Students | 1,057 | 526 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,057 | 526 |
| Free school meals | 21.2% | 49.6% |
| Capacity filled | 105.7% | 50.1% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 51.2 | 41.4 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 62.6% | 33.3% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 78% | 53.7% |
| EBacc average points | 4.68 | 3.40 |
| A level points per entry | 33.0 | – |
| town | Sunderland | Sunderland |
| region | North East | North East |
| Website | www.staidanscatholicacademy.co.uk/ | www.thornhillschool.org.uk |
The verdict
- •St Aidan's Catholic Academy scores higher on the Success Index (England) (71.1 vs 27.4).
- •St Aidan's Catholic Academy is the larger school with 1,057 students compared with 526.
- •St Aidan's Catholic Academy is boys and Thornhill Academy is co-educational.
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 St Aidan's Catholic Academy better than Thornhill Academy?
On the Success Index (England), St Aidan's Catholic Academy ranks higher (71.1 vs 27.4 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 St Aidan's Catholic Academy and Thornhill Academy?
About 536 m in a straight line, between Sunderland and Sunderland in North East.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
St Aidan's Catholic Academy: 1,057. Thornhill Academy: 526. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do St Aidan's Catholic Academy and Thornhill Academy rank in North East?
St Aidan's Catholic Academy is 35th of 185 and Thornhill Academy is 141st of 185 among secondary schools in North East on the 2025 Success Index (England).