The Hill Primary Academy
Rotherham, S63 0DS · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
53rd of 72 primary schools in Barnsley we can score, 77 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 — 4.9/10 against 828 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Hill Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, compared to the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in dodgeball, football, rounders, and dance, with an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 369 pupils against a stated capacity of 461. 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 progress from the expected standard to the higher standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in higher standard attainment?
What Ofsted said about The Hill Primary Academy
Overview
The Hill Primary Academy is described as a "safe and welcoming school" where leaders have brought about "huge improvements" since the previous inspection. Pupils generally engage well in lessons, benefit from clear behaviour routines, and receive strong support for reading and special educational needs.
Strengths
- Leaders prioritise reading with a "consistently" delivered early reading scheme and "daily fast-track interventions" that help pupils learn to read quickly.
- Curriculum planning is "sequenced so that core knowledge is revisited," helping pupils remember learning over time, with particularly ambitious teaching in subjects like science.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported" through appropriate targets broken down into small steps.
- The early years curriculum is "well thought through," ensuring children are ready for Year 1 with purposeful activities that skilfully increase vocabularies.
- Staff workload is "well managed," and governors "use their expertise to support and challenge the headteacher robustly."
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, especially French and music, the curriculum is "less well delivered" because some staff lack confidence, leading to inconsistent pupil experiences.
- Pupils’ knowledge of faiths and cultures other than their own "lack depth," with insufficient opportunity to develop understanding of other cultures.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders and staff maintaining "highly detailed" records of concerns and close working relationships with families to ensure pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of S63 0DS, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT