The Hills Academy
Bedford, MK41 9AT · Bedford · primary school
Check the area around this school
10th of 50 primary schools in Bedford 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 3,930 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9/10 among them, against 5.4/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Hills Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.9 out of 10 among them, against 5.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Homework Club, ECO Committee, and participate in Snooker, Football Table, Craft, and Drumming. Trips include visits to the theatre and the STEM Centre. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 442 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 manage class sizes when the roll exceeds capacity? What specific support is offered to pupils who are below the expected standard? How are the after-school clubs structured for different age groups?
What Ofsted said about The Hills Academy
Overview
The Hills Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Pupils are described as confident, independent, and respectful, thriving in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The school continues to provide a high-quality education with strong leadership and effective teaching.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve exceptionally well in mathematics and reading, supported by a well-planned curriculum and effective teacher professional development.
- Teachers use familiar routines and clear modelling to help pupils understand new concepts, while a focus on oracy builds communication skills and confidence.
- Staff provide excellent support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they make excellent progress and participate fully in school life.
- Pupils behave exceptionally well, demonstrating resilience and independence through engaging clubs, trips, and outdoor learning activities.
- The school diligently monitors attendance and works closely with families to improve rates for pupils with high absence.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that disadvantaged and vulnerable children in the early years receive frequent, high-quality interactions to support their learning progress.
- Leaders must establish an effective programme to develop secure handwriting and fluency, addressing inconsistent letter formation that hinders writing progress.
Safeguarding
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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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