Sandal Magna Community Academy
Wakefield, WF1 5NF · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
58th 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 4.6/10 against 2,015 of them, against 3.9/10 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 | 67.0 · 57 | 40% | 2.28 |
| 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.
Sandal Magna Community Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 255 pupils against a stated capacity of 262. 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 who have not reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific enrichment opportunities are available to extend learning beyond the curriculum? How does the school plan to maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sandal Magna Community Academy
Overview
Sandal Magna Community Academy is described as a “calm place” where pupils are “proud and happy” and feel safe. The report highlights a “coherent and well sequenced” curriculum, particularly in reading and mathematics, supported by knowledgeable staff and effective leadership. While the school fosters strong personal development and high attendance for many, inconsistencies in teaching approaches and persistent attendance issues for some pupils require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, bullying is “very rare,” and staff are perceived as “kind and fair.”
- The curriculum is “well designed,” with subject leaders clearly identifying key knowledge, particularly in mathematics and reading.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities to access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Early years provision is “exciting and stimulating,” with staff skilled in developing children’s language skills.
- Governors and the trust hold leaders to account effectively and are “very mindful of staff’s well-being.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum is “consistently well implemented in all subjects,” as some teachers lack sufficient subject knowledge or understanding of effective teaching approaches.
- Teachers need to use assessment “rigorously” to check pupil retention and plan subsequent learning, ensuring pupils are clear about what they have learned.
- Leaders should continue working with families to improve the attendance of pupils who are frequently absent, particularly due to term-time holidays.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with robust record-keeping, timely action, and strong collaboration with other 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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 67% |
| 2024/25 | 67% |
| 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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