Hendal Primary School
Wakefield, WF2 7QW · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
68th 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 — 4.1/10 against 2,152 of them, against 3.5/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 62% | 1.28 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 38% | 2.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hendal Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Stagecoach club and participate in football, multi skills, dodgeball, rounders, wheelchair basketball, cross country, bocchia, and Nerf Gun ‘movement’ wars. The school also provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 410 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Stagecoach club?
What Ofsted said about Hendal Primary School
Overview
Hendal Primary School is described as an "engaging and nurturing place to learn" where pupils are "unfailingly polite and respectful." The inspection highlights a "calm and purposeful atmosphere" with "excellent relationships" that ensure pupils feel safe and thrive in a supportive environment.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour and are "confident and independent," taking their roles as leaders seriously.
- Personal development is rated Outstanding, with pupils being "exceptionally well prepared for life in modern, diverse Britain."
- Phonics teaching is "rigorous and effective," ensuring pupils learn sounds quickly and read with confidence.
- The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "securely identified and very well met."
- Parents are "overwhelmingly positive," noting that staff "care deeply about the children."
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum lacks focus on essential knowledge, causing learning to be "not as successful as in others."
- Teacher checks at the end of lesson sequences are not always focused on expected learning, making it difficult to identify gaps.
- The school needs to improve overall attendance and reduce the rate of persistent absence, as some pupils miss out on important learning.
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 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 59% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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