Highburton CofE First Academy, Huddersfield

Ofsted's report card from its 12 May 2026 inspection grades Highburton CofE First Academy on 7 areas: 5 strong standard and 2 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Strong standard. "Pupils achieve highly."

Early years - Strong standard. "Children in the early years learn in an environment that is highly stimulating and thoughtfully organised."

Inclusion - Strong standard. "Inclusive practice sits at the heart of Highburton Church of England First Academy."

Leadership and governance - Strong standard. "Leaders at all levels are tenacious in their pursuit of excellence."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "The school's provision for pupils' personal development and wellbeing is a notable strength."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Pupils attend well."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have made many positive improvements to the curriculum."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should build on their work to ensure older pupils secure their handwriting and spelling skills more rapidly"; "Leaders should ensure that the high expectations that they have for pupils' behaviour are realised with greater consistency, across all classes and at all times of the school day".

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Highburton C.E First Academy, our vision is to cultivate a vibrant learning community where every child is valued and empowered to flourish. We envision a school where kindness, helpfulness, honesty, and gratitude are woven into the fabric of daily life. Our commitment is to nurture independent thinkers who celebrate their uniqueness and embrace the power of collaboration."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, rugby, athletics, karate, dance, choir, gardening and cheerleading.

For September 2026 entry, 21 families put Highburton CofE First Academy as their first choice and 42 named it as one of their preferences, for 21 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Highburton CofE First Academy are Kirkburton CofE (VA) First School (0.7 miles, Good); Rowley Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School (0.8 miles, Good, 88% reading, 94% maths); Lepton CofE Primary Academy (1.1 miles, 94% reading, 89% maths); and Shelley First School (1.6 miles, Good).

Highburton CofE First Academy is one of 17 schools run by Enhance Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 67% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

6.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0.6% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 10 pupils (6.2%) received SEN support and 3 (1.9%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is autism.

Highburton CofE First Academy had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 25 pupils: fewer teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Stocksmoor Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Highburton Village Store (opposite), 50 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Highburton CofE First Academy stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

Highburton CofE First Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Highburton CofE First Academy are Kirkburton Middle School (0.5 miles) and King James's School (1.6 miles).