South Kirkby Academy
Pontefract, WF9 3DP · Wakefield · primary school
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88th 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 — 0.4/10 against 1,144 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 32.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.14 |
| 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 Kirkby Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32% 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%, 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 (0.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 186 pupils against a stated capacity of 256. 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 reaching the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are in place to improve attainment in reading and maths?
What Ofsted said about South Kirkby Academy
Overview
Leaders are determined that pupils gain the knowledge and experiences needed to succeed, maintaining high expectations that result in pupils achieving well. The school fosters positive relationships, with staff knowing pupils and their families well to ensure they feel safe and supported. Governors are described as a strength, holding leaders to account effectively while supporting staff welfare and manageable workloads.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well, learn self-regulation, and value the positive relationships with trusted adults who resolve issues promptly.
- The curriculum is well mapped out in many areas, with staff making effective adaptations and using recap questions to help pupils strengthen prior learning.
- Reading is prioritised throughout the school, with staff ensuring books are well matched to pupils’ phonic knowledge and providing necessary support for fluency.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are swiftly identified and supported, allowing them to develop knowledge and understanding well.
- Personal development is well supported through carefully planned opportunities for spiritual, moral, social, and cultural growth, including diverse topics in PSHE education.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue working with parents and carers to overcome barriers to attendance, as some pupils do not attend school regularly and miss important learning.
- Learning interventions should be organised to ensure that pupils missing lessons do not develop significant gaps in their knowledge in other subjects.
- Leaders should ensure that important knowledge is clearly identified across all subjects, as it has not been clearly defined in some areas, preventing pupils from developing knowledge securely.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training, recognising signs of harm, and taking appropriate action in a thorough and timely manner.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 33% |
| 2023/24 | 41% |
| 2024/25 | 32% |
| 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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