Thorney Close Primary SchoolWelcome
Catherine Jones Headteacher
On behalf of the children, staff and governors, I would like to welcome you to Thorney Close Primary School.
We hope you find our website clear, informative and easy to navigate. It is designed to give you a flavour of the vibrant life of our school, the work of our pupils and the quality education we deliver. Our school is set in spacious grounds, close to the Durham Road, one of the main transport routes into Sunderland. Visitors to our school comment positively on our size and space, our facilities and the stimulating environment. They describe our atmosphere as calm and nurturing.
Being the Headteacher of Thorney Close is a wonderful job. We serve the communities of Thorney Close, Plains Farm, Springwell and Grindon. We strive to ensure that the school serves our local children and their families well. Our school motto is, ‘Where learning blossoms.’
It is my priority that the education your child receives will enable them to achieve their academic potential and progress confidently into the next phase of their education. All of my staff share this vision and recognise children as unique individuals with specific talents and needs. They work tirelessly to provide a varied and engaging curriculum and a positive school experience. You’ll find our classrooms to be hives of activity, full of creativity and learning, making Thorney Close Primary a special place for children.It is my priority that the education your child receives will enable them to achieve their academic potential and progress confidently into the next phase of their education. It is also part of my vision that all our children are filled with positive experiences, that they are aware of the endless possibilities that await them and that they are nurtured in order to develop within them, a confidence to embrace whatever comes their way. Underpinning the above, is my relentless commitment to ensuring that the children of Thorney Close Primary School possess the values that enable them to live well in society and prepares them to deal effectively with the challenges that the modern world presents.
The purpose of the website is to inform you about our wonderful school. However, it is impossible to convey the friendly, caring atmosphere of our school or the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff. One of the most positive features of our school is the excellent relationships which underpin everything we do. The only way is to see for yourself. Do not hesitate to make an appointment to look around our school whether you are a new family or an existing one. You will be very welcome.
Catherine Jones Headteacher
Headteacher Weekly News
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Monday 10 November 2025 "In Our School, You Matter - Every Day!" We are starting to get excited about the run-up to Christmas and all the lovely activities we have planned. We would like to say a big thank you for supporting your children to attend school and engage so well with their learning. We know that this reflects the value our families place on children learning in school every day. We are looking forward to continuing to work together, to support best attendance and learning.At Thorney Close Primary School, we want and expect our pupils to attend school every day, unless they are not well enough to.
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Friday 10 October 2025 Weekly School Catch-Up - 10.9.25 This week, we’re celebrating the incredible effort, kindness, and hard work shown by our Stars of the Week. A special shoutout to a Effie for her wonderful handwriting, truly setting the standard for us all!
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Friday 10 October 2025 Attendance News - 10th October 2025 We set a clear expectation: every child should aim for at least 96% attendance—that’s no more than 8 days off per year.
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Friday 3 October 2025 Weekly School Catch-Up - 3.10.25 It's been another busy and exciting week in school!
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Friday 26 September 2025 Weekly School Catch-Up - 26.9.25 A big well done to our Stars of the Week, who were celebrated in assembly today for their fantastic effort, kindness, and enthusiasm — we’re so proud of you all!
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Friday 12 September 2025 Weekly School Catch-Up - 12.9.25 Our celebration assembly this week was full of smiles and excitement!
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Friday 5 September 2025 Weekly School Catch-Up - 5.9.25 Our first couple of days back at school have been delightful. We’ve started each morning with an assembly, and today we were especially pleased to have our new Reception children join us for the first time.