Co-op Academy Hillside

About Co-op Academy Hillside

Co-op Academy Hillside is a state primary school in Wirral for children aged 2 to 11, currently operating well below its capacity. With 168 pupils against a school capacity of 260, there is significant room for growth. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 47.4%, which is notably high compared with the national average and suggests a catchment with considerable socioeconomic need. Despite this spare capacity, the school was oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, receiving 15 applications for 11 places and offering all 11 first-preference places. The oversubscription ratio of 1.36 indicates that demand is healthy, though not extreme, and that local families are actively choosing the school. The school is mixed, non-denominational, and led by headteacher Jennie Hamer. It also offers nursery provision, making it a potential option for families looking for continuity from early years through to Year 6.

Academically, Co-op Academy Hillside sits in the bottom half of Wirral primary schools. Its Key Stage 2 results for the 2023/24 academic year show that 46% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a local authority average of 53%. This places the school 43rd out of 64 primary schools in Wirral, and in the bottom 50 nationally. In individual subjects, reading and maths both achieved a 62% expected standard rate, while writing was slightly lower at 54%. Higher-standard attainment was limited: 19% reached the higher standard in reading, 8% in maths, and none in writing. Average scaled scores were 102 in reading and 100 in maths. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in 2017, rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good. This was an improvement from its previous inspection in 2010, when it was rated Requires Improvement.

The school offers a solid range of facilities for a primary of its size, including a sports hall, playing fields, library, art studios, music rooms, and a forest school area. Sports on offer include gymnastics, tennis, dance, football and cricket, while clubs include eco club, drama, choir and science club. The school has identified SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. For families seeking a school with a strong pastoral and inclusive ethos, Hillside’s high FSM intake and dedicated SEND support suggest it is well attuned to supporting a diverse range of learners. Its nursery provision and oversubscribed status indicate it is a valued local option, particularly for families who prioritise a Good-rated school with a broad extracurricular offer over top-tier academic rankings.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Co-op Academy Hillside

Helpful Guides for Parents