Willows Academy
Grimsby, DN37 9AT · North East Lincolnshire · primary school
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26th of 42 primary schools in North East Lincolnshire we can score, 48 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 — 6.3/10 against 2,106 of them, against 5.1/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.88 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Willows Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 4.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council, Reading Ambassadors, Delta Games, Rugby Union, and English Poetry.
Getting in
The published school roll is 184 pupils against a stated capacity of 150. 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils who are not yet meeting expected standards in reading?
What Ofsted said about Willows Academy
Overview
Willows Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. The school provides a safe, caring environment where pupils are valued and supported by staff who share high aspirations for all learners.
Strengths
- The curriculum is well designed, building knowledge logically and allowing pupils to recall learning securely, with particularly strong outcomes in reading.
- Attendance is consistently above national and local levels due to highly effective leadership efforts.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are quickly identified and receive adaptive support from trained staff.
- Personal development is a priority, with pupils learning about British values, mental health, and online safety through the trust’s ‘Delta Stars’ programme.
- Staff feel supported in their workload, and governance is described as ambitious and highly effective.
Areas to improve
- The English curriculum lacks clear sequencing for early writing transcription, meaning pupils do not get sufficient opportunities to practise letter formation, spelling, and basic sentence construction before attempting complex tasks.
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 | 64% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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