Highwoods Academy
Mexborough, S64 9ES · Doncaster · primary school
Check the area around this school
60th of 88 primary schools in Doncaster we can score, 98 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 — 6.6/10 against 1,092 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| Ofsted | 14 | 35% | 0.48 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highwoods Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools). An inspection took place in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 198 pupils against a stated capacity of 262. 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 new report-card framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Highwoods Academy
Overview
Highwoods Academy is described as a school at the heart of the local community where pupils are "happy, safe and proud". The report highlights a "nurturing environment" with strong relationships, noting that the curriculum is "sequenced, rigorous and detailed" and teaching is "highly effective".
Strengths
- Leaders have developed a "challenging, ambitious" curriculum tailored to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
- The school is "very inclusive", with leaders quickly identifying barriers to learning and using additional funding "very well considered" to support disadvantaged pupils.
- Personal development is a key strength, with pupils showing "very high levels of understanding, tolerance and respect" and a secure knowledge of safety and British values.
- Behaviour is "calm, orderly and positive", with bullying being rare and staff using effective strategies to support self-regulation.
- Staff feel "happy and supported", with leaders prioritising training and considering workload and wellbeing.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should further develop their "strategic oversight of all aspects of the school’s work" to ensure consistent precision in identifying priorities.
- Leaders should "sustain improvements in attendance for all groups" by continuing to embed current approaches and acting promptly on concerns.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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