Ark Carleton Park Primary School
Pontefract, WF8 3PT · Wakefield · primary school
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7th 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 — 9.8/10 against 3,314 of them, against 9.5/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 62% | 5.88 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 23.0 · 95 | 38% | 3.64 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark Carleton Park Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 23.0% reached 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 (9.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 pupils against a stated capacity of 218. 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 10 places currently available, how does the school manage waiting lists for specific year groups? How does the curriculum support pupils who reach the higher standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining in the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Ark Carleton Park Primary School
Overview
Pupils receive an “exceptional education” at this school, where they are “keen to live up to” the motto ‘Be the best you can be.’ The report highlights a positive culture created by leaders and staff, with pupils demonstrating hard work, kindness, and a strong desire to succeed in both academic and personal areas.
Strengths
- “Highly skilled staff” ensure pupils learn to read quickly, becoming “confident and fluent readers” through the use of high-quality texts.
- The curriculum is “ambitious and highly effective,” carefully structured around key learning points with teachers who have “excellent knowledge” of their subjects.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “extremely well supported,” making “exceptional progress” due to effective interventions and skilled teaching assistants.
- Behaviour is described as “exemplary,” with pupils following “very clear and consistent routines” and supporting one another.
- Personal development is enhanced by “50 bespoke wider experiences,” including visits and community connections, alongside a rich programme of clubs and pupil leadership roles.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 97% |
| 2023/24 | 93% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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