Hackwood Primary Academy

About Hackwood Primary Academy

Hackwood Primary Academy was rated Good across all five categories in its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024, with inspectors noting solid provision in quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership, and early years. The school’s strongest academic signal comes from its Key Stage 2 results in the 2023/24 academic year, where 73% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That figure places Hackwood well above the Derby local authority average of 55% and ranks it 7th out of 58 primary schools in the area, putting it comfortably in the top 25% nationally. The school also performs strongly on individual subjects: 83% of pupils reached the expected level in reading, with 40% achieving the higher standard, while maths saw 77% at expected and 30% at the higher threshold. These outcomes suggest a school that consistently delivers above-average results for a state primary in Derby.

Digging deeper into the exam data, Hackwood’s average reading scaled score of 107 and maths score of 104 both exceed the national average of 100, indicating that pupils typically leave Year 6 with solid foundational skills. The proportion of pupils reaching the higher standard in reading, writing and maths combined sits at 13%, which is in line with national expectations for a school of this profile. The school’s overall ranking score of 73 reflects strong performance across the board, though it trails the top local performers like Griffe Field Primary School (score 84) and Gayton Junior School (81). With 26% of pupils eligible for free school meals, Hackwood serves a community with above-average disadvantage, making its academic results particularly noteworthy. The Ofsted report highlighted good behaviour and attitudes, which aligns with the school’s structured approach to learning and the range of clubs on offer, including chess, coding and science club.

Hackwood is a three-form entry primary with nursery provision for children aged three and above, and it is currently oversubscribed: for the 2025/26 intake, there were 105 applications for 29 places, with 22 first-preference offers made from 49 first-preference applications, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.62. The school’s facilities include a sensory room, art studios, music rooms, a sports hall and outdoor playing fields, supporting a broad curriculum that covers cricket, netball, football and cross country. SEND provision is well-developed, with specialist support for autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and social, emotional and mental health. The school does not have a sixth form, as it is a primary, and it is not a boarding school. For families in Derby looking for a high-performing state primary with strong exam results, good Ofsted grades and a clear focus on inclusion, Hackwood is a strong contender, though competition for places is fierce.

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