Venerable Bede Church of England Academy

Named after an eighth-century saint, Venerable Bede Church of England Academy is located in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. A co-educational secondary school, it first opened in 2002 and converted to academy status in 2013. It is now part of the Northern Lights Learning Trust.

Venerable Bede CE Academy has approximately 900 pupils, making it a medium sized secondary school. The school welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, whilst maintaining a strong Christian ethos.

Head of School

Mrs T Burgess

Values and vision

Our mission statement is “To create a stimulating, secure and caring environment within which all members of our community will realise their potential in the light of the Christian Gospel”. This is embodied in our school motto “Soar to the Heights Together”.  Our school ethos, values and vision, sit alongside the Northern Lights vision of ‘Shining Together and Stronger Together’.

We want all of our pupils to reach their full potential. For each of our pupils we hope that with the guidance and support of the Venerable Bede community, each of them will be able to develop their individual talents and fulfil their life-long goals.  

Venerable Bede CE Academy has a number of purpose-built facilities which are used extensively in order to provide a dynamic and broad curriculum, plus a wide range of extra-curricular activities. 

Ofsted report

“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is developed effectively. The wide ranging personal development programme and religious education lessons prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain… Pupils currently in the school are making strong and sustained progress across a wide range of subjects.”

View The Venerable Bede CE Academy's latest Ofsted report