Heckmondwike Grammar School
Heckmondwike, WF16 0AH · Kirklees · Grammar school
Check the area around this school
2nd of 25 secondary schools in Kirklees we can score, 27 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 251 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 9.3/10 among them, against 9.9/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 99.5 · 100 | 30% | 3.03 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 1.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.47 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 78.9 · 99 | 10% | 1.01 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heckmondwike Grammar School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 99.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 80.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +1.0 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 9.3 out of 10 among them, against 9.9 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join K-pop, Percy Jackson, craft, chess, debating, spelling, and maths clubs. Sports include swimming, football, hockey, rugby, netball, rounders, cricket, and athletics.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,522 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,400. 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
What support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How does the 2022 inspection rating reflect current teaching standards?
What Ofsted said about Heckmondwike Grammar School
Overview
Heckmondwike Grammar School is described as a “friendly and welcoming” institution where pupils are “polite, articulate and courteous.” The report highlights that pupils follow an “ambitious curriculum,” achieving “very high standards” by the end of key stage 4, with “exceptional” behaviour and a strong sense of safety. However, the sixth-form provision is noted as requiring improvement, particularly regarding the transition to A-level study and the breadth of careers guidance.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “exceptional” behaviour, with “respectful relationships” and rare instances of bullying.
- Teachers emphasise “golden nuggets” of knowledge, enabling pupils to “talk in detail about what they have learned and remembered.”
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is “effective,” with high expectations and tailored adjustments.
- The extra-curricular offer is “very strong,” enriching learning through activities ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to charity fundraising.
- Staff morale is high, with leaders mindful of workload and a “clear vision” for development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must strengthen systems to identify and support sixth-form learners who struggle with A-level demands early.
- A systematic programme is needed to develop the PSHE curriculum in the sixth form and reintroduce work experience.
- The careers programme must cover the “full range of options,” including non-university paths, to ensure pupils have a clear picture of all available routes.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with a “strong team of staff” who are “vigilant and act promptly” on concerns, ensuring pupils feel safe and confident that adults will help solve problems.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 78.5 |
| 2024/25 | 80.2 |
| 2025/26 | 78.9 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 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 WF16 0AH, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT