Holmfirth High School

About Holmfirth High School

If you're a parent in Kirklees weighing up secondary options, Holmfirth High School sends a very clear signal of its popularity. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 446 applications for 261 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.71. That means nearly two families applied for every available spot, and all 261 offers went to first-preference applicants. While the school doesn't publish a formal parent satisfaction survey, this level of demand is a strong practical indicator that local families hold it in high regard. The school is led by headteacher Ben Stitchman and is a mixed, non-denominational state secondary for pupils aged 11 to 16, with no sixth form. It is one of only four schools in the local authority to hold an Outstanding rating from Ofsted, a status it earned in its most recent graded inspection in 2023, where it scored top marks across every category: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Academically, Holmfirth High School is a standout performer in Kirklees. Its Progress 8 score of 0.72 is well above the national average and significantly higher than the local authority average of 0.07, placing it second out of 24 schools in the district and in the top three per cent nationally. Pupils achieved particularly strong progress in English, with a Progress 8 score of 0.98, and in open subjects at 0.89. The Attainment 8 score sits at 55.3, and 81.6 per cent of pupils achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and maths. The school's EBacc average point score is 4.69, though only 27.2 per cent of pupils entered the full EBacc suite, and 22.6 per cent achieved it at grade 4 or above. The school's Ofsted report from 2023 noted Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, which aligns with the strong academic outcomes.

The school is well-equipped, with facilities including a swimming pool, tennis courts, a sports hall, playing fields, art studios, and a library. There is a broad range of extracurricular activities, from sports like hockey, rugby, and martial arts to clubs such as Model UN, Young Enterprise, and a newspaper group. For families with children who have special educational needs, the school lists provisions for a wide range of needs, including dyslexia, autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. With 17.2 per cent of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a diverse intake. Given its strong academic record and high demand, this is a school that suits families who prioritise a structured, high-achieving environment and are comfortable with a competitive admissions process.

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