Outwood Academy Freeston
Normanton, WF6 1HZ · Wakefield · secondary school
Check the area around this school
13th of 18 secondary schools in Wakefield we can score. 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 — 6.2/10 against 766 of them, against 5.0/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 50.7 · 64 | 46% | 2.95 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.18 · 36 | 38% | 1.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.6 · 42 | 15% | 0.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Outwood Academy Freeston overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. The Attainment 8 score was 44.6, matching the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.18 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally similar peers. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Wakefield China Trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 993 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. 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 to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Outwood Academy Freeston
Overview
Outwood Academy Freeston is described as a school with "high ambitions, aspirations and expectations" where pupils take "a great deal of pride" in their work. The report highlights that pupils "achieve well in examinations" and benefit from a "well-planned curriculum" based on educational research, resulting in strengthening outcomes.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "delivered effectively," allowing pupils to "learn and remember important knowledge" and apply it with skill.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive "expert support" and are "fully integrated into all aspects of school life."
- Behaviour is generally "calm and respectful," with systems that have led to reducing pupil suspensions and increasing attendance.
- There is a "huge range of enrichment clubs and activities," including debating and drama, which promote personal development.
- Staff morale is "high," and they are "positive about their workload."
Areas to improve
- Staff must check pupils’ understanding "consistently well" to identify and remedy gaps in learning or misconceptions.
- The school should ensure its work to tackle bullying and derogatory language is "commonly understood and trusted by pupils."
- Relationships with parents and carers need strengthening so the community can "share in the school’s successes."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.9 |
| 2024/25 | 44.6 |
| 2025/26 | 44.6 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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