Kirk Smeaton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Pontefract, WF8 3JY · North Yorkshire · primary school
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40th of 252 primary schools in North Yorkshire we can score, 290 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.4/10 against 4,169 of them, against 7.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kirk Smeaton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Courageous and Collective worship council, ECO warriors, Well being council, Anti bullying council, and Sports and safety council. Arts activities include choir, Christmas plays, nativities, and end-of-year shows. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 105 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 do not reach the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children joining the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Kirk Smeaton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Kirk Smeaton Primary is described as a "welcoming and friendly school" where pupils are "eager to begin the day" and behave well under high expectations. The report states that leaders have managed recent staffing changes and pandemic impacts "admirably," leaving the school in a "strong position to move forward."
Strengths
- Pupils feel safe, with effective anti-bullying measures and pastoral support, such as the "feelings tree," ensuring concerns are addressed swiftly.
- Reading is strong, with children in Reception learning sounds from an early stage and reading with "fluency and accuracy."
- Teachers’ subject knowledge supports learning effectively, particularly in mathematics where vocabulary is modelled to teach new concepts.
- The curriculum supports broader development, helping pupils understand "fundamental British values" and engage in debate about topics like the justice system.
- Governors "know the school well" and provide "effective challenge and support to leaders."
Areas to improve
- Curriculum plans must consistently identify "key components of knowledge" so teachers can check pupils have retained important information, preventing gaps in learning.
- Work for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) must accurately meet their needs and reduce over-reliance on adult support to build independence.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," with robust checks on adults and regular audits of the school site.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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