Highwoods Academy
77%
Capacity
201
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Highwoods Academy
Highwoods Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Doncaster community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 201 pupils on roll, operating at 77% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Highwoods Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul Rust, it falls under Doncaster local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 66% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 5789th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 31st out of 87 in Doncaster.
Highwoods Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 28 applications for 18 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 18 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 4 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 1 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Highwoods Academy include Library, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Forest School, Outdoor Playground, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Swimming, Football, Cross Country and 1 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Drama, Choir, Art Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 47.2%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Doncaster, Highwoods Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Highwoods Road, Mexborough, Doncaster, S64 9ES |
| Headteacher | Paul Rust |
| Local Authority | Doncaster |
| Number of Pupils | 201 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 47.2% |
| School Capacity | 201 / 262 (77% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 16 Jan 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (66%)
5789th of 13,686
Nationally
600th of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
31st of 87
In Doncaster
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
66%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
62%
'23/24
66%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed18
28
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
18 families put this school as their 1st choice (64% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highwoods Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Highwoods Road, Mexborough
Doncaster, S64 9ES
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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