Willow Green Academy
Knottingley, WF11 8PT · Wakefield · primary school
Check the area around this school
57th 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 — 4.7/10 against 2,342 of them, against 4.0/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Willow Green Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 3.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Forest School Club, Eco Council, Playground Pals, and Academy Council, participate in Delta Games, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 228 pupils against a stated capacity of 262. 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 activities does the Eco Council undertake during term time? How does the after-school club structure its sessions for children who need extra academic support?
What Ofsted said about Willow Green Academy
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Willow Green Academy remains a ‘good’ school, with evidence suggesting it could achieve an ‘outstanding’ grade if a full graded inspection were conducted. The report highlights a school where ‘pupils thrive’, characterised by high expectations, an inclusive culture, and a curriculum that ensures all pupils ‘achieve well regardless of their starting point’.
Strengths
- The ‘precise design of the trust curriculum’ supports strong academic outcomes, with pupils able to ‘remember and connect this knowledge across subjects’.
- Reading is a high priority; ‘phonics begins as soon as children start school’, and staff are ‘experts in delivering the programme’, ensuring pupils at risk of falling behind ‘catch up quickly’.
- There is an ‘exemplary culture of behaviour and citizenship’ from early years, where children show ‘high levels of self-control’ and reflect on their actions.
- The school develops pupils beyond academics through well-attended clubs, trips, and community projects, fostering ‘resilience and independence’.
- Leaders work collaboratively to refine the curriculum, creating a ‘culture of continuous improvement’ and supporting staff well-being.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
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 | 77% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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