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catchment.school

The Poplars Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

The Poplars is an other independent special not applicable school in Houghton le Spring, Sunderland , serving pupils aged 8-18, with 3 pupils, and a capacity of 4 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby not applicable schools below.

8-18

Age range

3

Pupils

4

Capacity

75%

Fill rate

The Poplars Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for The Poplars?

The catchment area for The Poplars is the geographic zone Sunderland uses to prioritise admissions when this not applicable school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Sunderland publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

The catchment area for The Poplars is set by Sunderland and reviewed annually. Children living within the catchment boundary receive priority consideration when applications exceed the number of available places.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by Sunderland before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Sunderland catchment area documents →

The Poplars: 4 places, 75% filled: places available

The Poplars has a published admission number of 4 places. 3 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 75%. At 75% full, the school currently has headroom below its 4 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

Sunderland publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. Find Sunderland school admissions →

The Poplars: School Information

Full address
Miners Lodge, Market Crescent, New Herrington, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7AP
Local authority
Sunderland
School type
Other independent special school
Phase of education
Not applicable
Age range
8-18 years
DfE URN
150515

Nearest not applicable schools by distance

These are the not applicable schools closest to The Poplars by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Poplars

What is the catchment area for The Poplars?

The catchment area for The Poplars is the geographic zone Sunderland uses to prioritise admissions when this not applicable school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Sunderland publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is The Poplars oversubscribed?

The Poplars has a capacity of 4 places and currently has 3 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Sunderland.

What is the admissions policy for The Poplars?

Admission to The Poplars is managed by Sunderland. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does The Poplars cover?

The Poplars is a not applicable school in Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, serving pupils aged 8-18. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

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