Hillside Primary School
Ipswich, IP2 8NU · Suffolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
217th of 232 primary schools in Suffolk we can score, 253 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 — 3.2/10 against 1,335 of them, against 2.6/10 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 | 53.0 · 24 | 40% | 0.96 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hillside Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 53.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0%, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in June 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 402 pupils against a stated capacity of 500. 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 areas did the June 2026 Ofsted inspection highlight for improvement?
What Ofsted said about Hillside Primary School
Overview
Hillside Primary School is described as a "welcoming" institution where pupils enjoy positive relationships with staff and feel safe. While attendance has improved and behaviour is generally calm, the report highlights that teaching quality is inconsistent and pupils' achievement in reading and writing remains below national averages. Leaders are actively working to address these gaps through targeted training and curriculum adjustments.
Strengths
- Attendance has improved significantly due to "close work with parents, carers and external professionals" and is now close to the national average.
- The school maintains a "calm and orderly" environment where bullying is rare and pupils have "positive attitudes to learning".
- Early years provision is "well-organised" with "warm and nurturing relationships" that help children settle quickly and feel included.
- Leaders provide effective pastoral support, ensuring pupils feel "valued and supported" and know where to turn for help.
- Pupils benefit from a "broad range of opportunities" beyond the curriculum, including trips and clubs that raise aspirations.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure "consistently high‑quality explanations, questioning and task design" to address variability in teaching effectiveness.
- Pupils need to build "secure knowledge and skills over time, particularly in reading and writing," as current achievement is not typically secure.
- Staff should apply agreed approaches to adapting learning "consistently" so that pupils with special educational needs access learning successfully.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 30% |
| 2023/24 | 49% |
| 2024/25 | 53% |
| 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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