Hillocks Primary Academy
Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 4ND · Nottinghamshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
213rd of 229 primary schools in Nottinghamshire we can score, 286 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 — 2.5/10 against 1,013 of them, against 1.9/10 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 | 32.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.14 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hillocks Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 271 pupils against a stated capacity of 329. 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 are below the expected standard in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Hillocks Primary Academy
Overview
Hillocks Primary Academy is described as a “warm and friendly school” where staff create an environment that makes pupils feel “happy, safe, and welcome.” While the school benefits from strong support from Diverse Academies Trust and a positive culture built on respect and kindness, the report states there is “still further work to do to develop the quality of teaching and learning.” Consequently, the overall effectiveness and quality of education are judged as requiring improvement, particularly regarding how pupils retain knowledge and the structure of the early years curriculum.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, treating others with respect and striving to meet high expectations through initiatives like earning “golden tickets.”
- Staff “really get to know every pupil,” fostering a strong sense of belonging and security.
- Phonics are taught well, with staff encouraging pupils to blend letter sounds to read whole words.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive “precise, timely support matched to their individual needs.”
- The personal development offer prepares pupils for life in modern Britain, promoting “respectful, inclusive attitudes towards difference and diversity.”
Areas to improve
- Teachers must routinely revisit and check key content to help pupils remember important knowledge over the long term, as they currently recall activities rather than crucial content.
- The school must sharpen the use of formative assessment to ensure work is appropriately pitched and misconceptions are addressed swiftly.
- The early years curriculum needs to be broken down into a precise sequence so children can build knowledge and skills step by step.
- All pupils in the early stages of learning to read must be given books matched to the letter sounds they know to develop fluency.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 37% |
| 2024/25 | 32% |
| 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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