Shay Lane Primary (J and I) School
Wakefield, WF4 1NN · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
60th 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 the 3,615 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Shay Lane Primary (J and I) School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.3 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 233 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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
With results slightly below the national median, what specific support is available for pupils who are not reaching the expected standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while managing a roll that exceeds its designated places?
What Ofsted said about Shay Lane Primary (J and I) School
Overview
Shay Lane Primary School is described as a "vibrant place to learn" where pupils are "exceptionally kind and caring" and behave in an "exemplary way." The inspection highlights a "broad and ambitious curriculum" with "meticulous planning" that ensures children are "exceptionally well prepared" for key stage 1, particularly in early years and reading.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "excellent relationships" with staff and show "determination and enthusiasm" for learning.
- Early years provision is "Outstanding," with Nursery children learning essential skills and routines for successful Reception learning.
- Reading is central to the curriculum, supported by a "rigorous, structured approach" to phonics and "highly skilled" staff.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive "carefully planned" and "effective" support through precise plans.
- Behaviour is "exceptional," with a "calm sense of purpose" and pupils modelling "tolerance and respect."
Areas to improve
- Summative assessment at the end of learning sequences is not used effectively in all subjects, meaning staff lack a clear picture of long-term learning or gaps.
- Some pupils struggle to recall and apply key knowledge to reason and solve problems, requiring better strategies for embedding learning in long-term memory.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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