Crofton Junior School
Wakefield, WF4 1HJ · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st 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 — 6.4/10 against 2,702 of them, against 5.6/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Crofton Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 5.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join a choir, running club, and board game club. Sports include football, rugby, cross-country, basketball, netball, and swimming. Trips have included Laval in France, Mont St Michel, and the Bayeux Tapestry. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 231 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
How does the school support pupils who are close to the higher standard threshold? What specific support is available for children joining in the next academic year? How are the French trips structured for younger pupils?
What Ofsted said about Crofton Junior School
Overview
Crofton Junior School continues to be a good school, with evidence suggesting it could be judged outstanding if a graded inspection were conducted now. The school fosters a welcoming environment where pupils are “highly appreciated and exceptionally well cared for,” underpinned by core values of ‘Respect, Nurture, Inspire’.
Strengths
- Leaders have developed an “exciting, ambitious and relevant curriculum” that is carefully sequenced to help pupils embed understanding before tackling challenging ideas.
- “High-quality teaching and effective classroom learning is consistent across the school,” with teachers using expert subject knowledge to quickly correct misunderstandings.
- Reading is of the “highest priority,” with well-trained staff delivering highly effective phonics and reading sessions that ensure pupils read “confidently, fluently and accurately.”
- Behaviour standards are high, with a “highly consistent approach” ensuring classrooms are “calm learning environments” where bullying is “very rare.”
- Staff value the “extensive professional development” they receive, and leaders actively consider workload and listen to staff views attentively.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders having developed a “strong culture of safeguarding” and staff receiving regular training and updates on local issues.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 62% |
| 2023/24 | 65% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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