Knavesmire Primary School
York, YO23 1HY · York · primary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 47 primary schools in York we can score, 50 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 — 9.1/10 against 3,480 of them, against 9.3/10 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 | 84.0 · 93 | 40% | 3.72 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 21.0 · 93 | 25% | 2.32 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Knavesmire Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 84.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 21.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (9.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in November 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join guitar, piano, drums, singing, violin, brass, and multi-skills clubs. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 484 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
What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard? How does the school integrate the various music clubs into the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Knavesmire Primary School
Overview
Knavesmire Primary School provides a "wonderful start" to education, where pupils are "enthusiastic, engaged and have a love for learning." The report highlights "exceptional achievement" driven by a purposeful curriculum and high expectations, resulting in pupils who are "very well prepared for secondary school."
Strengths
- The curriculum is "exciting" and "packed full of interesting knowledge," using concepts like ‘The Big Idea’ to help pupils "accumulate knowledge over time."
- Reading is "celebrated" through initiatives like the ‘Knavesmire 99’, with early years benefiting from a "well organised, structured approach to learning phonics."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "challenged and expected to access the same curriculum as their peers," leading to strong outcomes.
- Leaders provide "exceptional leadership," making decisions "based on research" while ensuring staff feel "valued" through support for well-being and workload.
- Personal development is promoted through "exceptional experiences," such as trips and clubs, helping pupils become "creative, take risks, be resilient and be aspirational."
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff maintaining vigilance and an "open, sharing culture" that ensures pupils are kept safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 82% |
| 2023/24 | 92% |
| 2024/25 | 84% |
| 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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