Outwood Academy Hemsworth
Pontefract, WF9 4AB · Wakefield · secondary school
Check the area around this school
17th 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 — 4.8/10 against 481 of them, against 2.8/10 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 | 32.5 · 19 | 46% | 0.89 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.07 · 45 | 38% | 1.73 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 37.5 · 10 | 15% | 0.16 |
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 Hemsworth overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.07 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 (6.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in Masterclasses and a China trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,101 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,632. 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 close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific subjects are covered in the Masterclasses? How is the China trip funded and who is eligible to attend?
What Ofsted said about Outwood Academy Hemsworth
Overview
Outwood Academy Hemsworth is described as a school where pupils and staff “embrace learning” within a “stimulating environment that values education.” The report highlights that pupils “thrive and make great progress” in both academic and personal development, with sixth-form students acting as “fantastic ambassadors.” The inspection confirms that the school has moved on from its previous rating, with leaders demonstrating a “positive restlessness” to ensure pupils are well-prepared for their futures.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “carefully sequence[d]” to strengthen understanding, with pupils applying knowledge well and enjoying challenges, particularly in mathematics.
- Reading is highly valued, with staff empowered by training to support early readers who make “rapid progress” in accuracy and fluency.
- Behaviour is excellent; pupils are “polite and respectful,” and the number of suspensions is decreasing.
- Personal development is strong, supported by a “honours system” and engagement with local industry, helping pupils become “positive contributor[s] to society.”
- Sixth-form provision is effective, with students engaging in deep debates and receiving careful support for their future education or employment.
Areas to improve
- Staff must routinely employ strategies to check pupils’ understanding in lessons, as opportunities are sometimes missed, leaving some pupils without the knowledge needed for new learning.
- The school must improve the quality of communication with families, particularly those of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), to ensure they clearly understand the support strategies in place.
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 | 39.7 |
| 2024/25 | 41.0 |
| 2025/26 | 37.5 |
| 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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