The Hills Academy

About The Hills Academy

The Hills Academy, a state primary in Bedford, holds a Good rating from its most recent graded Ofsted inspection in 2020, a grade that was confirmed as maintained in an ungraded inspection in March 2025. The school's academic story is best told through its Key Stage 2 results for the 2023/24 academic year, where 72% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That figure sits well above the Bedford local authority average of 57%, placing the school 7th out of 46 primaries in the area and inside the top 50 nationally for this metric. In reading, the average scaled score was 107, and in maths it was 105, both above the national benchmark of 100. A notable 44% of pupils achieved a higher standard in reading, while 28% did so in maths and 16% in writing. The school's previous Ofsted rating was Outstanding, awarded in 2007, but its current Good rating reflects consistent quality across all inspected areas.

The Ofsted breakdown from the 2020 graded inspection shows every category — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision — was judged Good. The 2025 ungraded inspection confirmed that standards were maintained, with no change to the overall rating. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 96% of the 123 respondents would recommend the school, and 96% agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy. Strong majorities also felt their child does well (92%) and that the school has high expectations (88%). On SEND support, 72% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that the school gives children the support they need, though 28% disagreed or strongly disagreed, a split worth noting for families with SEND children. The school's capacity is 420 pupils, but it currently has 440 on roll, and it was oversubscribed for 2025/26 entry, with 174 applications for 59 places and 57 first-preference offers made from 63 first-preference applications.

Facilities include a sports hall, playing fields, a forest school area, art studios, a sensory room and an outdoor playground. Clubs range from book club and gardening to coding, chess, choir and art club, while sports on offer include rounders, gymnastics, football and athletics. The school has a nursery provision and caters for a range of SEND needs, including autistic spectrum disorder, speech, language and communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health support. With 12.5% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a broadly representative intake. The Hills Academy suits families who want a well-regarded local primary with strong academic outcomes, a wide range of enrichment activities, and a clear track record of parent satisfaction. Its oversubscription means early application is essential, and the school's popularity reflects its solid reputation within Bedford.

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