South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant School
Pontefract, WF9 2QQ · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
81st 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 — 1.6/10 against 2,106 of them, against 1.7/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| 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.
South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. 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 (1.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join running, cooking, dance, gardening, and apparatus clubs, as well as football. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 454 pupils against a stated capacity of 498. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in writing?
What Ofsted said about South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant School
Overview
The report describes a school where “positive and caring relationships” create a “strong family atmosphere” that helps pupils feel safe. Leaders place pupils at the centre of decisions, fostering a “calm and focused learning environment” with high ambitions for all. The inspection highlights excellent personal development and early years provision, though some curriculum adaptations require refinement.
Strengths
- “Personal development” is rated Outstanding, with pupils demonstrating “extremely mature levels of tolerance” and understanding of diversity.
- “Early years provision” is Outstanding, offering an “exemplary start” with a clear progression plan and strong focus on communication skills.
- The curriculum is “well-sequenced” and staff are confident in delivering it, particularly in mathematics and reading where assessment is used effectively.
- A “well-sequenced phonics programme” ensures high consistency, with effective support for pupils falling behind.
- Staff benefit from a “strong team ethos” and support for workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must adapt learning materials in subjects like geography and English to better meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Assessment in subjects such as science, religious education, and geography needs to provide a clearer picture of how well pupils apply new subject knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with comprehensive recruitment checks, vigilant staff, and close collaboration with external specialists to support families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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