Darrington Church of England Primary School
Pontefract, WF8 3SB · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
73rd 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 the 3,383 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7/10 among them, against 3.4/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 62% | 3.03 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Darrington Church of England Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, matching the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, compared to the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.7 out of 10 among them, against 3.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 129 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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 support is available for children who need extra help with their reading or writing?
What Ofsted said about Darrington Church of England Primary School
Overview
This is a school where “everyone shines in their own unique way,” guided by core values of “peace, respect and friendship.” The inspection found that new leaders have driven improvements, resulting in a “calm and orderly” environment where pupils are “happy and safe” and achieve well in key subjects like English and mathematics.
Strengths
- Pupils are “polite and considerate,” with strong relationships and a culture where achievements are celebrated.
- The early years provision is “stimulating and exciting,” helping children build independence and knowledge through rich activities.
- Teachers in established subjects “routinely address gaps in understanding,” ensuring pupils “remember important knowledge over time.”
- Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are “well supported” by high-quality interventions.
- Staff are “overwhelmingly happy and proud,” noting that leaders take account of workload.
Areas to improve
- In subjects with new curricula, staff must identify and address “legacy gaps” and misconceptions consistently, as pupils currently do not achieve as well as they could.
- The school should ensure all teachers are confident in meeting the needs of pupils with SEND, as some currently do not access lessons as effectively as their peers.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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