Ark The Rookeries Carleton Primary School
Pontefract, WF8 3NP · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd 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 — 8.9/10 against 3,809 of them, against 8.3/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.93 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 32.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark The Rookeries Carleton Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 32.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in February 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 330 pupils against a stated capacity of 316. 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 are working towards the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are available during the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Ark The Rookeries Carleton Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "happy and feel safe" and work "purposefully in lessons." Leaders have established a "well-designed curriculum" with "carefully considered steps" that build towards ambitious goals, resulting in rapid improvement since the previous inspection. The school fosters a strong sense of community, with pupils demonstrating exceptional politeness and respect.
Strengths
- Behaviour is "Outstanding," with pupils following the school’s ‘7 Golden Rules’ and bullying being "rare."
- Early years provision is "Outstanding," featuring a "highly aspiring and inclusive curriculum" where adults "expertly check what children know."
- Reading teaching is consistent and precise, with pupils reading "confidently" and enjoying a "diverse choice of books."
- Mathematics teaching is effective, with a "clear" sequence of learning that allows pupils to "solve problems well."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are supported well, accessing learning with peers and developing "great confidence."
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, teachers are "not consistent in following" the lesson structure, leaving pupils "unclear about what teachers expect."
- Leaders need to monitor learning activities in these subjects to ensure pupils "remember key knowledge" and that teachers "sequence learning effectively."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with systems "well embedded" and all adults participating in annual training to spot vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 85% |
| 2023/24 | 84% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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