St Botolphs CE Academy
Knottingley, WF11 9BT · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
54th 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 — 5.5/10 against 2,609 of them, against 4.7/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 62% | 3.18 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 38% | 1.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Botolphs CE Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 5.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 281 pupils against a stated capacity of 316. 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 expected standard? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about St Botolphs CE Academy
Overview
St Botolph’s CE Academy is described as a “happy and caring school” where pupils enjoy strong, positive relationships with staff. The report highlights that leaders have worked relentlessly to improve the curriculum, resulting in calm classrooms and effective support for pupils, including those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- Early years provision is “Outstanding,” with expert planning that ensures children develop strong communication skills and learning behaviours.
- Staff deliver the phonics programme “consistently well,” providing extra help to ensure pupils who find reading difficult can keep up.
- Pupils display “positive attitudes” and are “very polite and well mannered,” contributing to calm learning environments.
- The school provides effective pastoral support, including opportunities for mindfulness and leadership roles, helping pupils manage their well-being.
- Leaders ensure pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive detailed support plans and clear steps to help them learn.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, recent changes to the knowledge pupils need to know mean some struggle to link their learning over time; teachers should be supported to design learning that helps pupils make strong links with prior learning.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WF11 9BT, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT