Ackworth Mill Dam School
Pontefract, WF7 7PH · Wakefield · primary school
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46th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.4/10 against 4,265 of them, against 7.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 24.0 · 95 | 25% | 2.38 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ackworth Mill Dam School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. A higher 24.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.4 out of 10 either way). The May 2026 Ofsted inspection used the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs including choir, colouring, board games, yoga, STEM, dance, and Cypriot culture. They play netball and visit Castleton, Boggle Hole, Kinsgwood, and London.
Getting in
The published school roll is 225 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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
How does the school support pupils who do not reach the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children who need extra help with reading or maths?
What Ofsted said about Ackworth Mill Dam School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have established a "calm, orderly and welcoming" environment and a "well-considered" curriculum. Pupils "generally achieve well," with most attaining at or above national averages in core subjects, while disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs make "secure progress." The inspection concludes that the school is fulfilling the "expected standard" across all evaluated areas.
Strengths
- Pupils are "extremely well mannered and kind to each other," contributing to a positive atmosphere where bullying is rare.
- Staff provide "clear explanations" and effective support, ensuring pupils build "secure subject knowledge and vocabulary" over time.
- Attendance is a "high priority," with leaders working closely with families to ensure pupils attend school regularly.
- The early years curriculum helps children develop "high levels of independence" and readiness for key stage 1.
- Leaders model expectations effectively, creating a culture where staff feel part of the "improvement journey."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "refine the order of important knowledge and skills in the early years curriculum" to ensure learning builds logically on prior knowledge.
- Leaders should further refine systems to monitor the progress of pupils with special educational needs, ensuring adaptations are "fully effective."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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