Simpson's Lane Academy
Knottingley, WF11 0PJ · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
13th 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 — 9.5/10 against 903 of them, against 8.4/10 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 | 84.0 · 93 | 62% | 5.73 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 38% | 2.72 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Simpson's Lane Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 84.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 11.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Forest School, Cooking, Elite Sports, Football, Gardening, Coding, Art, and Games Clubs, as well as Archery, Yoga, and Sewing. Trips include visits to Pontefract Castle, the National Coal Mining Museum, and Yorkshire Wildlife Park. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 387 pupils against a stated capacity of 577. 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 not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Elite Sports Club curriculum? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from the current cohort to the next year group?
What Ofsted said about Simpson's Lane Academy
Overview
Simpson’s Lane Academy is described as a place where pupils are "happy, polite and considerate" and thrive in a "remarkable environment." Leaders have established "very high expectations" for academic and wider development, resulting in high outcomes in national tests and exceptional progress for all pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- There is a "tangible love of reading" with books accessible everywhere, and robust processes ensure early readers become "confident, fluent readers."
- The curriculum is "high-quality" and personalised, with knowledgeable staff teaching with "high levels of consistency" leading to strong pupil recall.
- Disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND "achieve exceptionally well" due to robust identification of needs and effective support.
- Attendance has improved significantly through "rigorous" follow-up procedures, with absence rates now below national figures.
- The programme for wider development is "astonishing," offering extensive opportunities that help pupils become "active citizens" with high aspirations.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 77% |
| 2024/25 | 84% |
| 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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