Hilltop Junior School, Wickford
Hilltop Junior School is a primary school for pupils aged 7 to 11 in Wickford, part of Hearts Academy Trust. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, in June 2026, ended in a report card: 1 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Before that it was rated Good at its last graded inspection, in January 2022. Its 2025 Key Stage 2 results were the 3rd-highest of the 7 schools in Wickford with published results, and 6,834th of 14,452 across England. It was full in 2025, at 102% of capacity.
- SATs results
- In line with England
- Ofsted report card
- 1 of 6 areas strong or better
- Capacity
- Full
- Attendance
- In line with England
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Hilltop Junior School in detail
What Ofsted's report card says
Ofsted's report card from its 16 June 2026 inspection grades Hilltop Junior School on 6 areas: 1 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.
Inclusion - Strong standard. "Leaders have created a highly inclusive culture within the school."
Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils achieve well."
Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Pupils enjoy coming to school and attend well."
Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have a secure understanding of the quality of the curriculum and teaching."
Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "There have been some significant changes to leadership since the last inspection."
Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a thoughtfully planned personal development programme that responds to the needs of pupils in this community."
Safeguarding standards were met.
Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should strengthen relationships with parents to create a renewed sense of trust so that they can work together in the best interests of pupils"; "Leaders should work with pupils to improve the standard of behaviour at social times and support pupils to understand the importance of self-discipline".
Read the full report card on Ofsted's site (school website)
Source: Ofsted report card (Open Government Licence), quoted
Results
In 2025, 77% of Year 6 pupils at Hilltop Junior School reached the expected standard in reading and 79% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.
Results fell from 86% in reading and 92% in maths in 2024.
Getting a place at Hilltop Junior School
Across Essex, 90% of families were offered their first-choice primary school for 2026 entry, and 98% were offered one of the schools they named.
In 2026, families in Essex lodged 375 appeals against primary school offers; 241 reached a hearing and 31 succeeded (12.9% of those heard).
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state primary schools to Hilltop Junior School are Hilltop Infant School (under 0.1 miles, Outstanding); The Wickford Church of England School (0.5 miles, Outstanding); Runwell Community Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 79% reading, 67% maths); and North Crescent Primary School (1 mile, Good, 73% reading, 77% maths).
Hilltop Junior School's 2025 results were higher than all 2 of them.
Hilltop Infant SchoolThe Wickford Church of England SchoolRunwell Community Primary SchoolNorth Crescent Primary School
The trust
Hilltop Junior School is one of 6 schools run by Hearts Academy Trust, an academy trust.
Across the trust's primary schools, 72% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.
What parents say
194 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Hilltop Junior School (as of April 2026): 89% would recommend the school, 92% say their child is happy there and 67% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.
The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (93%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (67%).
Who goes there
13.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.
In 2026, 45 pupils (12.8%) received SEN support and 3 (0.9%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Wickford Rail Station, about 1 mile away in a straight line.
7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Rubicon Avenue (opposite), 210 metres away.
The area around the school
Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Hilltop Junior School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.
Suspensions and exclusions
In 2024/25, Hilltop Junior School issued 4 suspensions, 1.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.
Secondary schools nearby
The secondary schools closest to Hilltop Junior School are Beauchamps High School (0.2 miles) and Harris Academy Wickford (1.6 miles).
Sources: DfE school performance data (averages: state mainstream schools); DfE school-level applications and offers; council admissions booklets; DfE appeals statistics; DfE multi-academy trust performance data; Ofsted Parent View; DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (MHCLG); data.police.uk street-level crime; DfE exclusions statistics
Location
Our estimate from how close the nearest similar schools are and how oversubscribed the council's schools are. It is not a published boundary.
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 4 months agoReport card - no single overall grade (Ofsted's framework since November 2025)
Safeguarding standards met
- InclusionStrong standard
- AchievementExpected standard
- Attendance and behaviourExpected standard
- Curriculum and teachingExpected standard
- Leadership and governanceExpected standard
- Personal development and wellbeingExpected standard
Safeguarding standards: met
Ofsted's report card, in its own words
What it's like to be a pupil at Hilltop Junior School
Pupils receive a warm welcome in this inclusive school. Pupils feel safe and develop positive relationships with staff. They trust that the adults will support them if they ask for help. Pupils are confident that they can be themselves because everyone is treated equally. As a result, pupils have a secure sense of belonging and are proud to attend the school. Pupils are keen to do well. They enjoy talking about their learning. Typically, in lessons, pupils are settled and eager to learn. Pupils, including those with additional needs, achieve well and develop the skills they will need in later life. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education. Pupils understand the rules and routines. Most pupils rise to the expectations of staff. However, sometimes, a minority of older pupils struggle with self-discipline, in particular during social times. Despite this, pupils say that they get on well with each other. Bullying is not common. If it does occur, staff deal with it effectively. The 'Opening Worlds' humanities curriculum helps pupils to explore cultures and beliefs beyond their own. As a result, they have a secure understanding of values, such as equity and respect. They benefit from trips that are linked to their learning. For example, year 5 and 6 pupils go to France for the day. In addition to this, pupils benefit from a wide range of leadership opportunities like head boy and girl or eco-warrior. This helps them to improve their self-confidence and leadership skills. Pupils from across the year groups take part in the pupil parliament. Their voice plays a key role in shaping school initiatives. For example, pupils have chosen to raise money and awareness for the local food banks. They take part in a variety of clubs and enrichment activities, such as street dance, choir and multi-ball sports. This helps them to develop teamwork skills and self-expression.
What Ofsted says the school should do next
- Leaders should strengthen relationships with parents to create a renewed sense of trust so that they can work together in the best interests of pupils.
- Leaders should work with pupils to improve the standard of behaviour at social times and support pupils to understand the importance of self-discipline.
From Ofsted's report card (inspection 16 June 2026). Read the full report Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's June 2026 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Hilltop Junior School excels at creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child can thrive. Pupils achieve particularly well in reading and writing, and the school offers rich experiences through the HEARTS promise scheme and trips to places like France, helping children develop confidence and broaden their horizons. The dedicated support for pupils with additional needs and strong mental health provisions mean that barriers to learning are removed and all children feel valued members of the school community.
Key Strengths
- Strong inclusive culture with excellent support for pupils with additional needs and disabilities
- Reading and writing outcomes consistently above national averages, with disadvantaged pupils achieving better than peers nationally
- Comprehensive personal development programme including enrichment activities like residential visits, theatre trips and the HEARTS promise experiences
- Effective behaviour systems and low persistent absence rates
- Well-trained staff with ambitious professional development opportunities
Areas for Improvement
- Some errors not consistently corrected in pupils' written work
- Conduct in social times sometimes falls short of expectations and goes unchallenged
- A minority of older pupils struggle with self-discipline during lessons and social times
- Some parents and carers lack confidence in leaders' actions and communication needs improvement
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Coding club, arts and crafts, rounders, street dance, choir, multi-ball sports, school council, pupil parliament, residential visits, theatre performances, France day trips, eco-warrior roles, head boy and girl positions
Hilltop Junior School is an inclusive school where pupils achieve well, particularly in reading and writing. Leaders have created a positive culture focused on pupil wellbeing and continuous improvement.
At a Glance
13.4%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
194 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View, responses as at April 2026 - % who strongly agree or agree
Primary Performance (KS2)
Academic year 2024/25KS2 Results (% meeting expected standard)
Reading has declined from 86% to 77% (2024 to 2025). Maths has declined from 92% to 79% (2024 to 2025). Writing has declined from 90% to 81% (2024 to 2025).
Class Sizes
29.3
Avg class size
29.3
KS2
12
Total classes
4 classes with more than 30 pupils
2025/26 academic year
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby primary schools
Keep up with Hilltop Junior School
Before and after school care
Clubs on Ofsted's childcare register at or near Hilltop Junior School.
- Kip McGrath Wickford900m away · Not yet graded
Getting There
Bus Stops
Free school transport
Check free transport to Hilltop Junior School from your postcode →
You apply to the council where you live. Hilltop Junior School is in Essex; for families living there:
- Essex's school travel policy: Education Transport Policy
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
- Collisions
- 3
- Fatal
- 0
- Serious
- 2
- Children hurt
- 2
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 3 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 2 serious and 1 slight.
2 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 2 on foot.
3 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included.
The typical figure for schools in Essex is 9 (the median across 614 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
102%
Over capacity
367 pupils
360 places
7 pupils over capacity in 2025
2025, DfE school capacity data
Area Demand Pressure - Wickford
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Wickford
Across Essex council
Places available
17,932
Applications
15,737
Got 1st preference
90.3%
Got preferred school
98.2%
All primary applications across Essex council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History(3)
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
45
SEN Support
3
EHC Plans
13.6%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
Pupil Demographics
Ethnicity
2026 academic year
Key Indicators
352
Total Pupils
189
Boys
163
Girls
2026 academic year
Workforce
19
Teachers
18.5:1
Pupil-teacher ratio
£43,743
Mean salary
2026 data
School Funding
£4,955
Per pupil
£1934k
Total funding
£73k
Pupil premium
2025-26 financial year allocations
Pupil Absence2024/25
4.9%
Overall absence
9.8%
Persistent absence
376
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Secondary Schools Nearby
Secondary schools pupils are likely to move to
Hilltop Junior School
Questions parents ask about Hilltop Junior School
What are SATs results like at Hilltop Junior School?
Of the pupils at Hilltop Junior School who took the 2025 Key Stage 2 assessments, 77% reached the expected standard in reading and 79% did so in maths.
What is Hilltop Junior School's Ofsted rating?
Hilltop Junior School's most recent Ofsted inspection, in June 2026, produced a report card, which grades each area but gives no overall grade. At its last graded inspection, in January 2022, it was rated Good.
What is the catchment area for Hilltop Junior School?
No fixed boundary. When Hilltop Junior School is oversubscribed, Essex allocates places by its published criteria, usually ending with home-to-school distance.
Is it hard to get a place at Hilltop Junior School?
Hilltop Junior School was full in 2025, at 102% of its capacity, so places are allocated on the oversubscription criteria.
How big are the classes at Hilltop Junior School?
Classes at Hilltop Junior School average 29.3 pupils (2025/26). 4 classes have more than 30 pupils - infant classes are capped at 30 by law, with limited exceptions.
How many pupils go to Hilltop Junior School?
Hilltop Junior School has around 352 pupils on roll. 13% are eligible for free school meals.
What is attendance like at Hilltop Junior School?
4.9% of sessions were missed at Hilltop Junior School in 2024/25. 9.8% of pupils were persistently absent (missing 10% or more of sessions).
How do I apply to Hilltop Junior School?
Apply through Essex's coordinated admissions process, naming Hilltop Junior School on your application. The national closing date in England is 31 October for secondary places and 15 January for primary places, in the year before your child starts.
Does Hilltop Junior School have a breakfast club or after-school club?
Ofsted's childcare register lists an out-of-school club within a kilometre of Hilltop Junior School: Kip McGrath Wickford (900m away, registered, not yet graded). The school may also run its own clubs, which don't have to register with Ofsted.
How many road collisions happen near Hilltop Junior School?
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 3 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 2 serious and 1 slight. 2 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 2 on foot. 3 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included. The typical figure for schools in Essex is 9 (the median across 614 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Hilltop Junior School?
Hilltop Junior School is at Hill Avenue, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8LT.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)