Hillcrest Academy

About Hillcrest Academy

Hillcrest Academy is a state primary in Leeds that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its local standing. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 133 applications for just 59 places, with 57 of those going to first-preference families, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.25. The school currently houses 452 pupils against a capacity of 428, meaning it is operating above its official limit. The pupil body is notably diverse in terms of disadvantage: 30% of children are eligible for free school meals, which is higher than the national average of around 23% and suggests the school serves a community with above-average levels of economic need. This context makes the school’s performance and Ofsted rating all the more striking, as it is achieving strong outcomes while supporting a higher-than-typical proportion of disadvantaged pupils.

Academically, Hillcrest presents a mixed picture that warrants careful examination. In its most recent graded Ofsted inspection of 2016, the school was rated Outstanding overall, with Outstanding marks for leadership and management, early years provision, and personal development. An ungraded inspection in 2022 confirmed the school remains Outstanding. However, the most recent Key Stage 2 results from 2023/24 show that only 43% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, well below the Leeds local authority average of 61%. This places Hillcrest 179th out of 204 primary schools in the city, putting it in the bottom 50% nationally. Individual subject scores are more encouraging: 66% reached the expected standard in reading, and 60% did so in both maths and writing. The average scaled scores of 102 in reading and maths are exactly in line with the national average of 100, suggesting solid core skills even if the combined measure lags.

The school offers a broad range of facilities and support that make it a practical choice for many families. There is a nursery provision for children from age three, and the school’s SEND support is extensive, covering eight areas including autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language needs, and physical disabilities. Facilities include a sensory room, art studios, a library, and playing fields, while the sports programme covers cricket, athletics, dance, football, tennis, and netball. Clubs include chess, film club, and choir. The school is non-religious and mixed, with Victoria Oddy as headteacher. Given its oversubscription, families living close to the school or with a strong local connection will have the best chance of securing a place. Hillcrest suits families who value a diverse, inclusive primary with strong pastoral and SEND support, but who are also aware that its combined academic outcomes at KS2 are below the Leeds average despite its Outstanding Ofsted rating.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Hillcrest Academy

Helpful Guides for Parents