Ark De Lacy Primary School
Pontefract, WF8 2TG · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
11th 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 — 9.6/10 against 1,294 of them, against 8.8/10 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 | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark De Lacy Primary 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%. 18.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 342 pupils against a stated capacity of 315. 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 does the curriculum adapt to the diverse needs of the student body?
What Ofsted said about Ark De Lacy Primary School
Overview
De Lacy Primary School is described as an “exceptional school, with happy pupils” where staff work together to ensure all children succeed. The report highlights a “rich, well-considered, and ambitious curriculum” that fosters deep subject knowledge and strong character development. Pupils are characterised as “polite, confident and articulate individuals” with “exemplary” behaviour and attitudes towards learning.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “extremely ambitious,” carefully weaving knowledge across subjects, such as linking local history to science, resulting in pupils building a “rich body of knowledge.”
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), achieve well, with published outcomes “above national averages” at the end of key stage 2.
- Reading is prioritised through consistent phonics delivery and core texts, enabling pupils to “learn to read quickly” and enjoy literature.
- Behaviour is “exemplary” with “little disruption in lessons,” supported by clear routines and high staff expectations that encourage perseverance and independence.
- The school places significant importance on character development, offering high-calibre opportunities like ‘Junior Dukes’ and ‘Future Fridays’ to broaden pupils’ horizons and aspirations.
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 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 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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