City Academy Whitehawk
Brighton, BN2 5FL · Brighton and Hove · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th of 42 primary schools in Brighton and Hove we can score, 47 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.0/10 against 499 of them, against 3.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
City Academy Whitehawk overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 4.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 323 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to bridge the gap between the current 57.0% expected standard and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the 4.0% higher standard attainment? How does the breakfast club integrate with the morning routine for early arrivals?
What Ofsted said about City Academy Whitehawk
Overview
City Academy Whitehawk is a primary school where pupils feel valued and thrive in a culture of high expectations. The report highlights a joyful atmosphere, robust safeguarding, and an exceptional start for children in the early years. While overall effectiveness is rated Good, specific aspects of behaviour, personal development, and leadership are judged Outstanding.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "impeccable classroom behaviour" and a "joyful atmosphere," driven by the school’s "unapologetically high expectations."
- The early years provision is "exceptional," with a "carefully sequenced and rigorous curriculum" that effectively prepares children for future stages.
- Personal development is described as "exemplary," helping pupils develop a "deep sense of equality and maturity" and view themselves as "agents of change."
- The reading curriculum is "systematic and inspirational," resulting in pupils becoming "accurate and fluent readers" who are "enthusiastic" about reading.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is of the "highest standard," with staff making "thorough and responsive" adaptations.
Areas to improve
- The impact of the curriculum in mathematics is "not yet fully evident," meaning pupils do not achieve as well as they could by the end of key stage 2.
- Staff must continue to follow the planned mathematics curriculum, "carefully check what pupils remember over time," and "address gaps swiftly."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that pupils feel safe and know how to get help.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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