Selby Abbey Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Selby, YO8 4QB · North Yorkshire · primary school
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157th of 252 primary schools in North Yorkshire we can score, 290 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 — 3.3/10 against 2,338 of them, against 3.0/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Selby Abbey Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% 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%. 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 (3.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 303 pupils against a stated capacity of 392. 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 are below the expected standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to raise attainment towards the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Selby Abbey Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
Pupils feel “happy and safe” at this “calm and friendly” school, where strong relationships and a “restorative approach to behaviour management” are central to its Christian ethos. Leaders have developed an “ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum” with high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The inspection judged overall effectiveness, the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision as “Good”.
Strengths
- Staff deliver the curriculum well with “secure subject knowledge”, and pupils in subjects like history and design and technology “remember key facts”.
- Reading is a clear priority; pupils use phonic knowledge “confidently” and are excited by initiatives such as the ‘100 Book Challenge’.
- The early years curriculum is “well-sequenced”, with adults skilfully introducing unfamiliar words and modelling “turn-taking effectively”.
- Pupils learn to be “respectful of difference” and understand that “it is okay to believe whatever you want” as long as they are kind.
- Governors are “knowledgeable” and “effectively challenge and hold leaders to account”, while staff appreciate support with workload.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum for some foundation subjects is “not aligned well with the early years curriculum”, meaning Nursery and Reception staff miss opportunities to introduce subject vocabulary needed in Key Stage 1.
- Processes for recording safeguarding concerns are “inconsistent”, creating a risk that information may be “missed or misrepresented”.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective”, with leaders taking responsibilities seriously and staff receiving regular training, although inconsistencies in recording concerns require attention.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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