Ackworth Howard Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School
Pontefract, WF7 7HH · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 98 primary schools in Wakefield we can score, 113 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 1,371 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.9/10 among them, against 8.9/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 20.0 · 92 | 25% | 2.30 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ackworth Howard Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 20.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 7.9 out of 10 among them, against 8.9 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Playground Leaders and After School Activity Clubs. Sports include New Age Kurling, Rock-it-ball, the Brownlee Foundation Mini Triathlon, and swimming lessons. Arts features Big Strum. Trips include a Northumberland Residential and a visit to RHS Harlow Carr. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 229 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How are the residential trips organised for families with varying needs?
What Ofsted said about Ackworth Howard Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are “safe and happy” and “flourish in all aspects of their personal development.” Leaders have implemented an “ambitious and well sequenced” curriculum in core subjects, resulting in strong academic progress and “exceptional progress in reading.” The school community actively lives out Christian values, with pupils demonstrating outstanding behaviour and a deep commitment to service and social justice.
Strengths
- Pupils are “exceptionally well behaved,” showing consistent kindness, courtesy, and diligence in their learning.
- The teaching of mathematics is a strength, with teachers using “skilful questioning” to address knowledge gaps and ensure pupils build on prior learning.
- Reading is delivered consistently well, with pupils learning to read “quickly and accurately” and enjoying literature supported by reading ambassadors.
- Personal development is “exemplary,” with pupils acting as “agents for change” through charitable activities and community service.
- Leaders provide “highly effective professional development” for staff, prioritising well-being and ensuring rigorous assessment checks.
Areas to improve
- The school must identify “essential knowledge” in foundation subjects (the wider curriculum) to help teachers tailor work to pupils’ needs.
- In the early years, some children do not form their letters correctly, and progress in writing is “not as strong” as in other areas.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 72% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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