Alverthorpe St Paul's CofE (VA) School 3-11yrs
Wakefield, WF2 0BT · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
38th 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.5/10 against 3,267 of them, against 6.0/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Alverthorpe St Paul's CofE (VA) School 3-11yrs overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit Boggle Hole and High Adventure.
Getting in
The published school roll is 267 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 27, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? Since the last inspection was in 2022, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How do you support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Alverthorpe St Paul's CofE (VA) School 3-11yrs
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils and staff live up to their ‘shine’ ethos, with high expectations for pupils to be ‘ready, respectful and safe’. Leaders have created an ‘ambitious curriculum’ with reading at its heart, resulting in happy, safe pupils who are kind and courteous. Parents speak highly of the school and would recommend it to others.
Strengths
- Reading is a strength, with phonics teaching beginning in the first week of Reception and staff ensuring books match the sounds pupils know.
- Staff use assessment effectively to identify learning gaps, employing strategies like ‘flashback’ checks and weekly quizzes to help pupils remember key information.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) ‘participate fully in school life’, with staff ensuring their needs are met promptly.
- Early years provision is strong, with staff modelling clear language and quickly identifying children who need extra help.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff well trained and pupils knowledgeable about online safety.
Areas to improve
- Some subject leaders are new to their roles and have not monitored their subjects, meaning they are ‘not clear about the refinements needed to improve their subject’. Leaders should ensure robust systems are in place for subject leaders to monitor their curriculum areas.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders and staff well trained and thorough recruitment procedures in place.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WF2 0BT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT