Horndon-on-the-Hill is a smaller than average primary school. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils supported by the pupil premium is well below average. The pupil premium is extra funding provided to help looked after children or pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs is below average. Year 6 pupils were not present during the inspection because they were visiting the secondary schools they would join in September. Children enter the Reception class on a full-time basis from the beginning of the academic year in which they are aged five. The new intake of next year’s Reception children was in school during the inspection. The school works in an informal partnership with two other Church of England primary schools in the area. The school meets the government’s current floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for pupils’ attainment by the end of Year 6.