Lift Hockley, Hockley
Lift Hockley is a primary school for pupils aged 4 to 11 in Hockley, part of Lift Schools. Its most recent Ofsted inspection, in February 2026, ended in a report card: 2 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Before that it was rated Outstanding at its last graded inspection, in January 2016. Its 2025 Key Stage 2 results were the 33rd-highest of the 388 schools in Essex with published results, and 1,291st of 14,452 across England. For 2026 entry it had 1.3 first-choice applications for every place. It was full in 2025, at 101% of capacity.
- SATs results
- Above England average
- Ofsted report card
- 2 of 7 areas strong or better
- Demand
- Oversubscribed
- Attendance
- Better than England average
Reception applications for September 2027 close in 80 days
Deadline Friday 15 January 2027. Apply to Essex (the council where you live). Offers on 16 April.
Data last updated 27 Oct 2026
Lift Hockley in detail
What Ofsted's report card says
Ofsted's report card from its 3 February 2026 inspection grades Lift Hockley on 7 areas: 2 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.
Achievement - Strong standard. "Across all year groups, pupils secure the essential knowledge they need in reading, writing and mathematics."
Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders track attendance with care and accuracy."
Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "The curriculum is well designed."
Early years - Expected standard. "Children in the early years get off to a positive start."
Inclusion - Expected standard. "There is a unified and consistent approach to inclusion across the school."
Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders know the school well."
Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "The personal, social and health education programme is well designed."
Safeguarding standards were met.
Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff routinely check pupils' understanding of the curriculum, including in PSHE, and securely build pupils' deep knowledge consistently over time".
Read the full report card on Ofsted's site (school website)
Source: Ofsted report card (Open Government Licence), quoted
Lift Hockley in its own words
The school runs after-school care.
Coming up: an admissions event on Friday 15 January 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.
Wraparound care (school website)Open days on the school's site (school website)
Source: The school's own website
Results
In 2025, 91% of Year 6 pupils at Lift Hockley reached the expected standard in reading and 91% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.
Results rose from 87% in reading and 89% in maths in 2024.
Getting a place at Lift Hockley
For September 2026 entry, 59 families put Lift Hockley as their first choice and 189 named it as one of their preferences, for 45 places offered. That is 1.3 first choices for every place. 15 families who put it first were not offered a place there.
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other state primary schools to Lift Hockley are Lift Westerings (0.7 miles, Good, 93% reading, 88% maths); Lift Plumberow (0.8 miles, Good, 85% reading, 89% maths); Grove Wood Primary School (1.6 miles, Outstanding, 84% reading, 74% maths); and Edward Francis Primary School (1.7 miles, Good, 76% reading, 62% maths).
Lift Hockley's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.
Lift WesteringsLift PlumberowGrove Wood Primary SchoolEdward Francis Primary School
The trust
Lift Hockley is one of 62 schools run by Lift Schools, an academy trust.
Across the trust's primary schools, 79% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.
What parents say
100 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Lift Hockley (as of April 2026): 92% would recommend the school, 95% say their child is happy there and 70% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.
The strongest agreement was that their child is happy at the school (95%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (70%).
Who goes there
6.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 2.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.
The largest ethnic groups are White British (87%) and Mixed (6%).
In 2026, 29 pupils (8.8%) received SEN support and 16 (4.8%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Hockley Rail Station, about 900 metres away (roughly a 11-minute walk).
4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is SEETEC (opposite), 310 metres away.
The area around the school
Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Lift Hockley stands in is among the 10% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.
In August 2026, police recorded 41 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Essex (97).
Suspensions and exclusions
In 2024/25, Lift Hockley issued 4 suspensions, 1.2 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.
Secondary schools nearby
The secondary schools closest to Lift Hockley are Lift Greensward (0.9 miles) and The FitzWimarc School (1.7 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 · 8 months agoReport card - no single overall grade (Ofsted's framework since November 2025)
Safeguarding standards met
- AchievementStrong standard
- Attendance and behaviourStrong standard
- Curriculum and teachingExpected standard
- Early yearsExpected standard
- InclusionExpected 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 Lift Hockley
Pupils enjoy coming to school. They look forward to the rewards for positive attendance, including the class trophy. Pupils describe their school as a place that is 'fun, friendly and educational'. Pupils are enthusiastic about learning throughout the school. They speak positively about their experiences in lessons. Pupils appreciate and know that staff are there to help them if learning feels like a challenge. This creates a positive learning environment, where pupils feel encouraged to try their best and are not afraid to make mistakes. As a result, pupils progress through the curriculum well from their various starting points and achieve highly. From the Reception Year, children show a genuine curiosity about the world around them. Pupils enjoy learning across a wide range of subjects. Art and history are particular strengths. Pupils express excitement about creative work and learning about the past. They talk knowledgeably about what they are studying. For example, Year 5 pupils know where in the world the Silk Road was and the purpose of trade. Pupils feel safe. They know staff care about their wellbeing. Pupils know who to talk with if they are worried or concerned about something. They trust adults to listen and help them. This nurturing culture of care helps pupils feel secure and ready to learn. The school's ethos of 'from little acorns mighty oaks grow' permeates through the school. Pupils thrive on 'working happily together, inspiring a desire to learn'. Staff provide pupils with opportunities to learn about life beyond the school. This helps them to develop respect and tolerance of others. As a result, bullying is rare. Pupils understand the importance of treating everyone fairly and with kindness. They are accepting of differences and show maturity in their attitudes. This prepares them well for life in their community and beyond.
What Ofsted says the school should do next
- Leaders should ensure that staff routinely check pupils' understanding of the curriculum, including in PSHE, and securely build pupils' deep knowledge consistently over time.
From Ofsted's report card (inspection 3 February 2026). Read the full report Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's February 2026 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Lift Hockley creates a fun, friendly and educational environment where pupils genuinely enjoy learning. Teachers know their pupils well and adapt teaching so all children can succeed from their individual starting points. The school maintains high expectations even during challenges, and staff provide quick, targeted support to help any pupil who needs extra help.
Key Strengths
- Pupils achieve consistently above national averages with disadvantaged pupils catching up well
- Positive behaviour and attendance with effective early identification and family support
- Strong teaching with secure subject knowledge and effective checks on learning
- Inclusive approach with tailored support for pupils with additional needs
- Warm relationships and safe environment where pupils feel confident to learn
Areas for Improvement
- Some subjects lack consistent revisiting of prior content, making it harder for pupils to deepen learning
- Personal development programme not yet fully tailored to the school's context
- Greater precision needed in data analysis to strengthen decision-making across all areas
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met with an open and positive culture where concerns are actively identified and managed, ensuring pupils are safer and feel safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Country dancing, adventure trips, clubs, charity events, leadership roles, Duxford trip
Lift Hockley is a strong school where pupils achieve above national averages in reading, writing and mathematics. Leaders have high expectations for all pupils and maintain positive behaviour and attendance through effective tracking and support systems.
At a Glance
6.6%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
100 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 improved from 87% to 91% (2024 to 2025). Maths has remained stable at around 91% (2024 to 2025). Writing has remained stable at around 87% (2024 to 2025).
Class Sizes
27.4
Avg class size
26.6
Infant (KS1)
28.0
KS2
11
Total classes
2 classes with more than 30 pupils
2025/26 academic year
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby primary schools
Keep up with Lift Hockley
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
Free school transport
Check free transport to Lift Hockley from your postcode →
You apply to the council where you live. Lift Hockley 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
- 0
- Children hurt
- 0
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, 0 serious and 3 slight.
No children aged 0 to 15 were among the people hurt.
0 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
Your chances of a place at Lift Hockley
Will you get a place at Lift Hockley? Get the admissions report
Your home postcode, set against Lift Hockley's admissions figures, in one report saved to your account.
What the report includes for Lift Hockley:
- The straight-line distance from your home to Lift Hockley.
- We hold no last distance offered figures from Essex, so the report covers demand, alternatives and dates.
- Applications, first choices and offers at Lift Hockley for 2019 to 2026 entry.
- How many families in Essex got their first choice, and how often appeals there succeed.
- The nearest state schools to your home, with Ofsted rating, demand and last distance offered where published.
- Key dates for September 2027 entry and how to apply.
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
101%
Over capacity
333 pupils
330 places
3 pupils over capacity in 2025
2025, DfE school capacity data
Area Demand Pressure - Hockley
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Hockley
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.
This school: Oversubscribed
Inspection History(4)
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
29
SEN Support
16
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
331
Total Pupils
182
Boys
149
Girls
2026 academic year
Workforce
16
Teachers
20.7:1
Pupil-teacher ratio
£47,694
Mean salary
2026 data
School Funding
£4,955
Per pupil
£1792k
Total funding
£48k
Pupil premium
2025-26 financial year allocations
Pupil Absence2024/25
3.3%
Overall absence
3.1%
Persistent absence
290
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
Lift Hockley
Questions parents ask about Lift Hockley
What are SATs results like at Lift Hockley?
Of the pupils at Lift Hockley who took the 2025 Key Stage 2 assessments, 91% reached the expected standard in reading and 91% did so in maths.
What is Lift Hockley's Ofsted rating?
Lift Hockley's most recent Ofsted inspection, in February 2026, produced a report card, which grades each area but gives no overall grade. At its last graded inspection, in January 2016, it was rated Outstanding.
What is the catchment area for Lift Hockley?
No fixed boundary. When Lift Hockley is oversubscribed, Essex allocates places by its published criteria, usually ending with home-to-school distance.
Is it hard to get a place at Lift Hockley?
Lift Hockley was full in 2025, at 101% of its capacity, so places are allocated on the oversubscription criteria.
How big are the classes at Lift Hockley?
Classes at Lift Hockley average 27.4 pupils (2025/26). 2 classes have more than 30 pupils - infant classes are capped at 30 by law, with limited exceptions.
How many pupils go to Lift Hockley?
Lift Hockley has around 331 pupils on roll. 7% are eligible for free school meals.
What is attendance like at Lift Hockley?
3.3% of sessions were missed at Lift Hockley in 2024/25. 3.1% of pupils were persistently absent (missing 10% or more of sessions).
How do I apply to Lift Hockley?
Apply through Essex's coordinated admissions process, naming Lift Hockley on your application. Applications for Reception places starting in September 2027 close on Friday 15 January 2027, and offers are made on Friday 16 April 2027.
How many road collisions happen near Lift Hockley?
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, 0 serious and 3 slight. No children aged 0 to 15 were among the people hurt. 0 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 Lift Hockley?
Lift Hockley is at Chevening Gardens, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4UR.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)