Highfield Church of England Primary School
Southampton, SO17 1PX · Southampton · primary school
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4th of 45 primary schools in Southampton we can score, 55 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.1/10 against 4,318 of them, against 9.0/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.37 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 31.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highfield Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 31.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Orchestra, Arts, Crafts & Lego, Irish Dancing, Cross Country, and Highfield Computing Club. Sports include multisports, basketball, football, tennis, gymnastics, and dance. Trips to Portsmouth Guildhall and Turner Sims are offered. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 315 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 who need extra help to reach the higher standard? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the breakfast club? How are places allocated when demand exceeds the 315 available spots?
What Ofsted said about Highfield Church of England Primary School
Overview
Highfield Church of England Primary School has undergone significant transformation since its previous inspection, with leaders rapidly addressing prior weaknesses. The report highlights a positive school culture rooted in Christian values, where pupils enjoy a calm, purposeful learning environment and make good progress. Overall effectiveness is judged as Good, with Outstanding ratings for behaviour, personal development, and early years provision.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "Outstanding" behaviour and attitudes, characterised by positive relationships and a "calm, purposeful learning environment".
- Early years provision is "Outstanding", with an "exciting, engaging curriculum" that instils a "joy of learning" and prepares children well for key stage 1.
- Reading is prioritised effectively, with "consistent" phonics teaching and a well-stocked library that encourages pupils to "love reading".
- Staff well-being has improved significantly, with leaders successfully tackling previous workload issues to create a sense of "togetherness".
- Pupils show a "mature understanding of the rule of law and democracy" and actively contribute to the community through initiatives like litter picking.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is "consistently well implemented in all subjects", as some teachers lack developed subject knowledge and confidence in specific areas.
- A "strategically formulated plan" is needed to further develop staff subject knowledge and leadership at all levels to maximise impact.
- Monitoring and evaluation processes require strengthening so that actions are "focused precisely enough on what it is that needs to improve".
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders having "transformed the school’s safeguarding practices" since the last inspection to ensure staff are well-trained and policies are consistently followed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| 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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