Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Pontefract, WF9 4LJ · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
86th of 98 primary schools in Wakefield we can score, 113 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 — 0.3/10 against 1,932 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 30.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 30.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022-12.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Outside Multisport and Hockey clubs, with both breakfast and after-school care available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 119 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 bridge the gap between the expected and higher standards? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022-12 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are “well supported” and have “flourished” following recent improvements. Leaders have created an “inspiring” curriculum that is “well sequenced and ambitious,” fostering a positive environment where pupils behave well and feel safe. The inspection notes that the school has moved from a previous rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ across all categories.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well sequenced and ambitious,” with teachers using “precise vocabulary” and resources that help pupils become “more competent in each subject.”
- Early reading is taught “consistently well,” with phonics lessons carefully organised so pupils can “recall the sounds that they know well” and enjoy reading.
- Pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour, valuing the school charter which encourages “respect,” “excellence and perseverance.”
- The early years provision features a “well-considered environment” where adults use “rich vocabulary” to extend children’s language and learning.
- Staff are “well supported” by a strong executive leadership team and governing body who have driven “rapid, sustainable improvements.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must implement an accurate assessment system for foundation subjects, as teachers are not currently “accurately identifying gaps in knowledge or misconceptions.”
- Teachers need training to select activities that best support long-term retention, as current choices in some subjects do not always help pupils “retain the key knowledge.”
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” with systems “well embedded” and all adults undertaking annual training to spot vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 52% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 30% |
| 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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