Sowerby Primary Academy
Thirsk, YO7 1RX · North Yorkshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
115th 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 — 4.4/10 against 3,597 of them, against 4.5/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.08 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 4.0 · 35 | 25% | 0.89 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sowerby Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 4.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Getting in
The published school roll is 279 pupils against a stated capacity of 339. 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 working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sowerby Primary Academy
Overview
Sowerby Primary Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils are proud of their environment and display high aspirations. Leaders have developed a largely well-planned curriculum that prepares pupils well for their next steps, supported by effective teaching and positive staff morale.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate good behaviour, with bullying being "very rare" and a strong sense of respect for others.
- Teachers use assessment effectively to "spot misconceptions or gaps in pupils’ knowledge" and help pupils make connections across subjects.
- The phonics programme is delivered with a "simple and consistent approach," helping previously struggling pupils catch up and become fluent readers.
- Staff morale is positive, with leaders ensuring workload is manageable and providing particular support for new members of staff.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "fully integrated in lessons and in wider parts of school life" through targeted adaptations.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should further refine curriculum planning in a minority of subjects where "key ideas are not mapped out with enough clarity," as this currently leaves pupils’ learning less secure.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well-trained to identify welfare concerns and leaders meticulously recording and following up on any issues.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 46% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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