Orchard Primary Academy
Dewsbury, WF12 8QT · Kirklees · primary school
Check the area around this school
80th of 99 primary schools in Kirklees we can score, 144 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 — 2.7/10 against 241 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Orchard Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Cricket and Rugby Clubs, participate in gymnastics, football, and athletics, and visit Skipton Castle, the Emergency Services Museum, and London. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 363 pupils against a stated capacity of 350. 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
Since the 2022 inspection predates the 2024/25 results, what specific steps have been taken to improve attainment in maths? How does the school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in reading?
What Ofsted said about Orchard Primary Academy
Overview
Orchard Primary Academy is rated ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking an improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ judgement. The report describes a school where pupils are happy, feel safe, and behave well, underpinned by strong relationships built on ‘mutual respect’. Leaders have implemented ambitious plans to enhance the curriculum and support pupil development, resulting in a positive school culture where students are engaged in their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils are ‘happy’ and ‘feel safe’, with rare instances of bullying that staff resolve effectively.
- Early years provision is strong, with a high priority on vocabulary development helping children make ‘strong progress from their low starting points’.
- Teachers design ‘engaging lessons’ and have good subject knowledge, allowing pupils to practise skills and build on previous learning.
- Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) quickly, ensuring they access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Staff are well supported by leaders and governors, who ‘support and challenge staff well’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must complete planned training to ensure all phonics teaching is consistent and maintains a good pace, as some sessions currently ‘hinder pupils’ fluency’.
- Subject leaders need to better monitor curriculum changes to ensure pupils have a ‘secure understanding’ of what they have been taught, particularly in history.
- Leaders must ensure all pupils develop a ‘good knowledge and understanding of different religions and cultures’, as some currently lack detailed knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with detailed records, swift communication between staff, and strong collaboration with external agencies to support pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 30% |
| 2023/24 | 40% |
| 2024/25 | 43% |
| 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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