History resonates through the corridors of Hessle High School, quite literally in the case of Tranby House. This Grade II listed building, once the home of Titanic survivor Algernon Barkworth, now serves as the administrative heart and Sixth Form centre of The Hessle Academy. It stands as a striking visual counterpoint to the modern teaching blocks that surround it, symbolising a school that balances deep local roots with 21st-century functionality.
As an all-through academy serving pupils from age 3 to 19, the school occupies a unique position in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It brings together Penshurst Primary School and Hessle High School under a single leadership structure, offering families the stability of a continuous educational journey without the disruption of transition at age 11. With over 1,800 students on roll, this is a large, bustling institution that functions as a town-within-a-town, yet the retention of distinct primary and secondary sites ensures that younger children are not overwhelmed by the scale of the operation.
The atmosphere shifts perceptibly as you move between the phases. At the Penshurst site, the mood is energetic and nurturing, typical of a busy primary school where play and structure coexist. Transitioning to the secondary site on Heads Lane, the tone matures. The presence of Tranby House provides a sense of gravitas rarely found in the state sector. Students moving past its red-brick façade and expansive lawns are reminded daily of the area's heritage.
Mr William James Nixon, appointed Headteacher in November 2025, leads the academy with a vision focused on high expectations, supported by Mrs Chrissie Shiels as Head of Primary School. This dual leadership structure ensures that while the academy operates as one, the specific needs of younger children are championed by a dedicated primary specialist. The school's values—Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Kindness, and Aspiration—are not merely slogans; they appear in corridor displays and shape the "Hessle Learner" framework, which defines the behaviours expected in every classroom.
The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
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The student body is diverse in ability and background, reflecting the broad catchment of Hessle and the surrounding areas. In the secondary phase, the environment feels purposeful, though the sheer number of students means movement times are busy. Staff presence is high during breaks, creating a sense of order without stifling the natural social energy of teenagers.
Academic outcomes at Hessle Academy present a mixed but generally positive picture, highlighting strengths in primary foundations and solid achievement at GCSE.
In 2024, 66% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This figure stands above the England average of 62%, indicating that the majority of children leave Year 6 with the core skills required for secondary school. Performance is particularly robust in mathematics, where the average scaled score of 104 exceeds the England average of 104.
Ranked 10,289th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st among primary schools in Hessle, the school sits in the national lower band overall but leads its immediate local competitors. This suggests that while there is room for growth nationally, it remains the strongest option in the immediate vicinity.
At GCSE, the school performs in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band). In 2024, the school achieved an England rank of 2,223rd (FindMySchool ranking) and ranked 1st in Hessle.
The Progress 8 score of -0.6 suggests that, on average, students make less progress from their starting points compared to peers in England. However, attainment remains respectable, with 16.3% of pupils achieving grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting the school's commitment to a broad academic core.
The Sixth Form serves as an academic capstone. In 2024, 38.69% of A-level grades were A*-B. While this is below the England average of 47.2%, it supports a steady pipeline to higher education. The average grade profile sits in the national lower band, though individual successes in subjects like English Literature and History often buck this trend.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
38.69%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Reading, Writing & Maths
66%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
The curriculum is designed as a continuum from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 13. This all-through structure allows for coherent planning; subject leaders in the secondary phase collaborate with primary colleagues to ensure concepts introduced in Key Stage 2 are built upon effectively in Key Stage 3.
In the primary phase, the approach is thematic, hooking children's interest through topics that blend history, geography, and literacy. Phonics teaching is rigorous, using a validated scheme that supports early reading development effectively. As pupils move into Year 5 and 6, specialist teaching is introduced gradually, leveraging the facilities of the secondary site for subjects like science and food technology.
In the secondary phase, teaching follows a traditional structure. Lessons are purposeful, with a clear focus on retrieval practice to help students retain knowledge over time. The "Hessle Learner" framework encourages students to articulate their thinking, though the consistency of this varies across departments. Science provision is a notable strength, supported by well-equipped laboratories and a team of subject specialists who run popular STEM enrichment activities.
Sixth Form teaching takes on a seminar style, particularly in humanities subjects housed within the characterful rooms of Tranby House. Here, class sizes are smaller, allowing for more debate and individual feedback.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
The all-through nature of the academy means that the vast majority of Year 6 pupils from Penshurst transition directly into Year 7 at Hessle High. This internal progression is seamless, with transition activities beginning as early as Year 5.
Post-16 destinations data reflects a range of pathways. In 2024, 61% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university. While the school does not publish a full breakdown of Russell Group acceptances, graduates have secured places at institutions including the University of Hull, Leeds Beckett, and York St John.
Apprenticeships are a growing focus, with 9% of the cohort choosing this route in 2024. The school has built strong links with local employers in the engineering and digital sectors, facilitating these opportunities. 18% of students moved directly into employment, supported by a careers programme that begins in Year 7.
Admissions to The Hessle Academy are coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed, reflecting its popularity and the convenience of the all-through model.
For the primary phase (Penshurst), parents apply for entry into Reception for the September following their child's fourth birthday. For September 2026 entry, the closing date was 15 January 2026. In 2024, the school received 73 applications for 38 places, resulting in 1.9 applications per place applications per place. This level of demand means that living within the immediate vicinity is essential for securing a place.
Entry at Year 7 is the second major intake point. While pupils from Penshurst Primary have a guaranteed route, the majority of the Year 7 cohort joins from other local primaries. Demand is high; in 2024, there were 402 applications for 173 places (2.3 applications per place). For September 2026 entry, applications closed on 31 October 2025.
Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
Applications
73
Total received
Places Offered
38
Subscription Rate
1.9x
Apps per place
Applications
402
Total received
Places Offered
173
Subscription Rate
2.3x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is structured around a House system that encourages a sense of belonging within the larger school population. Students are placed in vertical tutor groups in the secondary phase, allowing younger students to mix with older peers. This structure is designed to combat bullying and create a "family" feel, though parents of quieter children should note that the sheer size of the secondary site can initially feel daunting.
The school employs non-teaching pastoral managers who are available throughout the day to deal with issues as they arise, ensuring that teachers can focus on learning. Safeguarding procedures are robust, with a clear culture of vigilance. A dedicated inclusion team works with students who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), utilising "The Hub" as a supportive base for those who need time away from the busy main school environment.
The extracurricular offer is broad, leveraging the extensive facilities of the secondary site. Sport is a central pillar. The school offers a large sports hall, gymnasium, and extensive playing fields that host fixtures in football, rugby, and netball. The academy teams compete regularly in East Riding competitions, and the PE department runs inclusive clubs for those who want to play socially rather than competitively.
The arts are well served by a dedicated theatre space and music practice rooms. The annual school production is a major calendar event, often involving over 100 students from cast to crew. Recent productions have been ambitious, showcasing significant student talent. Music tuition is available for a range of instruments, and the school choir performs at local community events, strengthening the bond between the school and Hessle town.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is popular, with high uptake at Bronze and Silver levels. This programme is key to the school's character education, pushing students out of their comfort zones during expeditions in the Yorkshire Wolds. Student leadership is encouraged through the Student Council and the House Captain roles, giving young people a genuine voice in school improvement.
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm for the secondary phase, with slightly staggered times for the primary phase to ease congestion at the gates.
Wraparound care is available for primary-aged children. Breakfast club opens at 7:30am, offering a healthy start to the day, and the after-school club runs until 6:00pm. These sessions are run by school staff, ensuring continuity of care.
Transport links are good, with Hessle train station a short walk away, providing access for students travelling from slightly further afield. The school also benefits from dedicated bus services serving the wider catchment.
Scale and size. With over 1,800 students across the all-through span, this is a large institution. While the split sites manage this well, the secondary environment is busy and large. Students who thrive on anonymity and bustle will love it; those who need a small, intimate setting may find it challenging initially.
Academic progress. The Progress 8 score of -0.6 is a point of consideration. While attainment (raw grades) is respectable, the published figures suggest that some students do not make the progress statistically expected of them based on their primary scores. Families should engage with subject teachers to ensure their child is being stretched.
Oversubscription risks. Securing a place is not guaranteed, particularly for those living on the fringes of the catchment area. The high number of applications per place means families must be realistic about their chances and have a backup option.
Hessle High School and Penshurst Primary School offers a stable, community-focused education with the unique advantage of an all-through journey from age 3 to 19. The blend of historic character at Tranby House and modern facilities creates a distinctive learning environment. While secondary progress data highlights areas for development, the strong primary outcomes and vibrant extracurricular life make it a compelling choice. Best suited to local families seeking a cohesive, long-term educational home where their child can grow within a single community. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular local hub.
Yes. The Ofsted inspection in April 2024 rated the school as Good. Primary outcomes are above the England average, with 66% of pupils meeting expected standards in 2024. The school provides a stable, safe, and well-resourced environment for local children.
For secondary entry (Year 7), the national deadline is typically 31 October. For primary entry (Reception), the deadline is 15 January. Applications are processed by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Late applications are processed after on-time ones, significantly reducing the chance of a place.
Yes. The Hessle Academy has a Sixth Form based in the historic Tranby House. It includes A-level and vocational courses. In 2024, 38.69% of grades were A*-B, and the majority of students progressed to university.
The school primarily serves the town of Hessle. There is no fixed map boundary; allocation is based on distance from the school. In 2024, the school was oversubscribed, meaning the effective catchment area was relatively tight. Families should check their distance relative to previous cut-offs.
Yes. Penshurst Primary has a nursery provision for children aged 3 and 4. It offers both 15 and 30-hour funded places. Attending the nursery is a great introduction to the school but does not guarantee a place in the Reception class, which requires a separate application.
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