The Featherstone Academy
Pontefract, WF7 5AJ · Wakefield · secondary school
Check the area around this school
15th of 18 secondary schools in Wakefield we can score. 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 — 4.6/10 against 495 of them, against 2.9/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.78 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 39.4 · 36 | 30% | 1.09 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.33 · 25 | 26% | 0.64 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.7 · 18 | 10% | 0.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Featherstone Academy overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, with the last inspection in May 2022. In 2024/25, 35.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.33 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 556 pupils against a stated capacity of 600. 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 to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds?
What Ofsted said about The Featherstone Academy
Overview
The Featherstone Academy continues to be a good school, where staff share a clear vision and pull in the same direction for pupils. Leaders have designed a well-structured curriculum that supports academic success and personal development, particularly through the ‘Applied Resilience’ programme. While most pupils behave well and feel safe, there are ongoing challenges regarding a small minority of pupils disrupting lessons and missing school due to sanctions.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well designed," with a logical order that allows pupils to "build their knowledge and deepen their understanding over time."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported" and access the same curriculum as everyone else.
- The ‘Applied Resilience’ programme is a "strength of the school," helping pupils become "more determined learners" and build confidence.
- Teachers "know their subjects well" and frequently check prior knowledge to ensure pupils are learning effectively.
- Staff feel "supported with their workload and well-being," and leaders are highly visible.
Areas to improve
- Leaders need to complete the process of ensuring pupils have access to a "broad range of subjects at key stage 3 and 4," specifically finalising the introduction of music and computing.
- Leaders should work to reduce incidents of poor behaviour leading to suspensions and internal sanctions, as a small minority of pupils miss significant lesson time.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with appropriate vetting checks, regular staff training, and timely reporting of concerns to ensure pupils receive necessary help.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 40.6 |
| 2024/25 | 41.6 |
| 2025/26 | 39.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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