The Poplars

Other · Other independent special school · Ages 8–18 · Houghton le Spring, Sunderland

The Poplars is an other school in Houghton le Spring, Sunderland for ages 8–18 (other independent special school).

Key facts

Address: Miners Lodge, Market Crescent, New Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7AP
Type: Other independent special school
Phase: Other
Ages: 8–18
Sector: See recorded establishment type
Council: Sunderland
Pupils on roll: 4 January 2026 school census
Free school meals: z of pupils eligible

Official record: Get Information about Schools · as at 15 September 2026

No Ofsted grade

“Pupils, all of whom have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), enjoy attending this school.”
“Staff make sure pupils’ safety and well-being are at the centre of everything they do.”
“Staff know pupils extremely well.”

“However, there are some inconsistencies in approaches by members of staff.”
“This means that some learning tasks do not match pupils’ starting points or match the ambitious intent of the curriculum.”
“However, there are some inconsistencies in the way that staff guide pupils in their handwriting formation.”

Safeguarding: Effective

Quoted from the Ofsted report published 5 February 2025 (read the report). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.

A one-off £9.99 pass, no subscription, unlocks for 3 months:

A last distance offered describes one past year and is not a catchment or a promise of a place. Check with the council before you apply.

Straight-line distance, in Sunderland.