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Local authority · Yorkshire and the Humber

Schools in Wakefield

  • 143State-funded schools
  • 115Primary
  • 18Secondary
  • 4Special
  • Yorkshire and the HumberRegion
Applications per placeCircle size: applications
First choice · secondary 2026
91%
7 pts above England (84%)
3,912 families applied
First choice · primary 2026
94%
close to England (92%)
3,654 families applied
Applications per place · secondary
1.6
0.6 below England median (2.2)
Median school
New Ofsted report cards
16of 143 schools
Results by area

How hard is it to get a place here?

DfE · families living in Wakefield
Secondary (Year 7) · Sept 2026
91%got their first choice
7 pts above England (84%)

3,912 applicants · 2.7% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 91%; England 84%
  2. 2025 91%; England 84%
  3. 2024 94%; England 83%
  4. 2023 93%; England 83%
  5. 2022 93%; England 83%
  6. 2021 96%; England 81%
  7. 2020 96%; England 82%
  8. 2019 94%; England 81%
  9. 2018 92%; England 82%
  10. 2017 95%; England 83%
  11. 2016 94%; England 84%
  12. 2015 96%; England 84%
  13. 2014 97%; England 85%
  • Wakefield
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20263,91290.7%97.3%2.7%
Sep 20253,99791.0%96.7%3.1%
Sep 20243,90294.3%98.4%1.4%
Sep 20233,95193.3%97.2%2.8%
Sep 20223,95492.5%96.6%3.3%
Sep 20213,78495.7%98.6%1.3%
Sep 20203,77995.6%98.3%1.7%
Sep 20193,68493.9%98.2%1.7%
Sep 20183,60892.2%97.3%2.5%
Sep 20173,44895.2%98.2%1.7%
Sep 20163,28193.9%98.0%2.0%
Sep 20153,32796.2%98.5%1.5%
Sep 20143,01697.5%99.5%0.5%
Primary (Reception) · Sept 2026
94%got their first choice
close to England (92%)

3,654 applicants · 0.9% offered none of the schools they named

  1. 2026 94%; England 92%
  2. 2025 91%; England 93%
  3. 2024 95%; England 93%
  4. 2023 93%; England 92%
  5. 2022 93%; England 92%
  6. 2021 94%; England 92%
  7. 2020 92%; England 90%
  8. 2019 92%; England 91%
  9. 2018 94%; England 91%
  10. 2017 93%; England 90%
  11. 2016 93%; England 88%
  12. 2015 92%; England 88%
  13. 2014 93%; England 88%
  • Wakefield
  • England
Every year as a table
EntryApplicantsFirst choiceOne of first threeNone they named
Sep 20263,65494.4%99.0%0.9%
Sep 20253,75591.3%97.7%1.8%
Sep 20243,75494.6%98.6%1.2%
Sep 20233,73593.0%98.0%1.8%
Sep 20223,82493.4%97.9%1.9%
Sep 20213,75094.3%98.3%1.6%
Sep 20204,00491.5%97.0%2.9%
Sep 20193,84792.2%97.0%2.8%
Sep 20183,92794.5%98.1%1.8%
Sep 20173,74693.4%97.9%2.0%
Sep 20163,77393.1%97.7%2.3%
Sep 20153,87592.3%96.9%3.1%
Sep 20143,75092.5%97.0%3.0%

What has Ofsted found here?

Ofsted data to 30 September 2026

Report cards 16 schools of 143 · since November 2025

  • Inclusion
  • Curriculum and teaching
  • Achievement
  • Attendance and behaviour
  • Personal development and wellbeing
  • Early years (9)
  • Post-16 provision (2)
  • Leadership and governance

One dot per school.

Overall grade from Ofsted's previous framework 101 schools · graded 2010 to 2024

  • Outstanding9
  • Good85
  • Requires improvement7
  • Inadequate0

Includes grades confirmed by a later ungraded inspection. Not comparable with report cards.

Graded 2024/25, no overall grade 24 schools

Key judgementOutstandingGoodRequires improvementInadequate
Quality of education9114–
Behaviour and attitudes10131–
Personal development11121–
Leadership and management9141–

Not yet inspected (new or reorganised schools): 2.

Latest report cards

Every new report card, month by month · RSS for Wakefield

Secondary schools in Wakefield

18 schools · Year 7 entry 2026

Change the order (visual only)

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sorted by Attainment 8, highest first.

Sorted by the date of the latest Ofsted inspection, newest first.

Sorted by name.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeAttainment 8FSM
St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Good2023 3.3 applications per place 49.1 30%
Trinity Academy Cathedral Faith 2026 3.0 applications per place 50.9 42%
Horbury Academy 2026 3.0 applications per place 51.0 28%
Ark Carleton High School Improved significantly2024 2.4 applications per place 44.3 31%
The Featherstone Academy Remains Good2022 2.4 applications per place 39.7 41%
Ark The King's School Good2022 2.4 applications per place 51.8 26%
St Wilfrid's Catholic High School & Sixth Form College: A Voluntary Academy Faith 2026 2.2 applications per place 46.1 24%
Crofton Academy Good2023 2.0 applications per place 49.3 31%
Kettlethorpe High School 2026 1.7 applications per place 48.8 25%
Outwood Grange Academy Good2024 1.6 applications per place 49.2 18%
Castleford Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.6 applications per place 46.8 29%
Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College 2026 1.6 applications per place 49.8 23%
Outwood Academy City Fields Good2022 1.5 applications per place 44.5 39%
Outwood Academy Hemsworth Graded · no overall grade2025 1.4 applications per place 37.5 43%
Outwood Academy Freeston Graded · no overall grade2025 1.4 applications per place 44.6 31%
Airedale Academy Requires improvement2024 1.3 applications per place 39.4 52%
De Lacy Academy 2026 1.2 applications per place 45.0 43%
Minsthorpe Community College Remains Good2023 1.1 applications per place 44.7 34%

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS4 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

  • Exceptional
  • Strong standard
  • Expected standard
  • Needs attention
  • Urgent improvement
  • Does not apply

Eight dots, one per area: inclusion, curriculum, achievement, attendance, personal development, early years, post-16, leadership. Colours follow Ofsted's report card scale; Schoolfile is independent of Ofsted.

Primary schools in Wakefield

115 schools · Reception entry 2026

Sorted by applications per place for September 2026 entry, highest first.

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted.
SchoolLatest OfstedApplications per placeSATs standardFSM
Ossett Flushdyke Junior and Infant School Remains Good2022 6.2small intake applications per place 60% 17%
Jerry Clay Academy Remains Outstanding2023 5.8 applications per place 90% 7%
Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy Faith Remains Good2023 4.1 applications per place 93% 7%
Stanley Grove Primary and Nursery Academy Remains Good2020 3.9 applications per place 87% 11%
Outwood Primary Academy Greenhill Graded · no overall grade2025 3.7 applications per place 57% 20%
South Ossett Infant Academy Good2023 3.6 applications per place – 7%
West Bretton Junior and Infant School 2025 3.5small intake applications per place 50% 4%
Wakefield St Johns Church of England Voluntary Aided Junior and Infant School Faith Remains Good2023 3.3 applications per place 48% 16%
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Faith Good2022 3.3small intake applications per place 30% 37%
St Ignatius Catholic Primary School Faith Some aspects not as strong2024 3.2small intake applications per place 79% 15%
Ark Carleton Park Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 3.2 applications per place 87% 21%
The Mount Junior Infant & Nursery School Good2022 3.2 applications per place 56% 37%
Moorthorpe Primary School With Inclusion Resource Remains Good2024 3.1 applications per place 35% 42%
Ark Larks Hill Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 3.1 applications per place 97% 6%
Newton Hill Community School Remains Good2024 3.1 applications per place 84% 8%
Outwood Primary Academy Kirkhamgate Graded · no overall grade2024 3.0 applications per place 81% 10%
Badsworth Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School Faith Remains Good2023 2.9 applications per place 73% 14%
Sandal Magna Community Academy Good2022 2.9 applications per place 67% 35%
Horbury St Peter's and Clifton CofE (VC) Primary School Faith Remains Good2022 2.9 applications per place 52% 27%
Shay Lane Primary (J and I) School Good2024 2.8 applications per place 62% 19%
Holy Family and St Michael's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Remains Good2022 2.8 applications per place 35% 29%
Outwood Primary Academy Lofthouse Gate Outstanding2023 2.8 applications per place 90% 7%
Rooks Nest Academy Good2023 2.8 applications per place 85% 14%
Wrenthorpe Academy Standards maintained2025 2.8 applications per place 59% 9%
Outwood Primary Academy Ledger Lane Standards maintained2025 2.8 applications per place 72% 11%
Ackton Pastures Primary Academy Good2023 2.7 applications per place 64% 18%
Ackworth Mill Dam School 2026 2.7 applications per place 68% 14%
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract Faith Good2024 2.7 applications per place 77% 11%
Crigglestone Dane Royd Junior and Infant School Remains Outstanding2024 2.7 applications per place 91% 19%
Ark The Rookeries Carleton Primary School Good2023 2.7 applications per place 73% 18%
Walton Primary Academy Remains Good2022 2.7 applications per place 71% 9%
The Vale Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2024 2.7 applications per place 76% 21%
Wakefield Pinders Primary (JIN) School Remains Good2023 2.6 applications per place 60% 22%
Darrington Church of England Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.6 applications per place 64% 7%
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Castleford Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.6 applications per place 52% 8%
Cherry Tree Academy Requires improvement2024 2.6 applications per place 49% 48%
England Lane Academy Outstanding2024 2.6 applications per place 85% 36%
Crigglestone Mackie Hill Junior and Infant School Standards maintained2025 2.5 applications per place 71% 39%
Hendal Primary School Graded · no overall grade2024 2.5 applications per place 51% 34%
Grove Lea Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 2.5 applications per place 77% 19%
Ackworth Howard Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior and Infant School Faith Good2024 2.5 applications per place 80% 2%
Glasshoughton Infant Academy Good2023 2.4 applications per place – 7%
Castleford Wheldon Infant School and Nursery Standards maintained2025 2.4 applications per place – 17%
Alverthorpe St Paul's CofE (VA) School 3-11yrs Faith Good2022 2.4 applications per place 69% 22%
St. John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.4 applications per place 48% 12%
Townville Academy Requires improvement2023 2.4 applications per place – 24%
Towngate Primary Academy Improved significantly2024 2.4 applications per place 49% 13%
Wakefield Flanshaw Junior and Infant School Requires improvement2024 2.4 applications per place 53% 31%
Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy Good2020 2.4 applications per place – 31%
Crigglestone St James CofE Primary Academy Faith Good2023 2.3 applications per place 64% 10%
Normanton Common Primary Academy Remains Good2024 2.3 applications per place 73% 22%
Ash Grove Primary Academy Good2023 2.3 applications per place 48% 30%
West End Academy Improved significantly2024 2.3 applications per place 73% 31%
English Martyrs Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy Faith Good2023 2.3 applications per place 69% 32%
Horbury Primary Academy Good2022 2.3 applications per place 78% 17%
Featherstone All Saints CofE Academy Faith Standards maintained2025 2.2 applications per place 71% 16%
Ossett South Parade Primary Remains Good2024 2.2 applications per place 60% 24%
Ark De Lacy Primary School Outstanding2024 2.2 applications per place 80% 48%
Lee Brigg Infant and Nursery School 2026 2.2 applications per place – 10%
St Austin's Catholic Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.2 applications per place 51% 10%
Wakefield St Marys Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School Faith Remains Good2023 2.2 applications per place 57% 31%
Dimple Well Infant School and Nursery Good2022 2.2 applications per place – 13%
Airedale Infant Academy Standards maintained2025 2.2 applications per place – 21%
Half Acres Primary Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 2.1 applications per place 65% 21%
Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill Good2022 2.1 applications per place 63% 42%
St Michael's CofE Academy Faith Good2024 2.1 applications per place 73% 41%
Sandal Castle VA Community Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 2.1 applications per place 45% 24%
Ark Orchard Head Primary School Improved significantly2025 2.0 applications per place 89% 23%
Willow Green Academy Remains Good · improving2023 2.0 applications per place 63% 30%
Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane Good2022 2.0 applications per place 83% 11%
Martin Frobisher Infant School Good2022 2.0 applications per place – 10%
Featherstone North Featherstone Junior and Infant School Remains Good2023 2.0 applications per place 42% 19%
St Helen's CE Primary School Faith Good2023 2.0 applications per place 58% 48%
Ossett Holy Trinity CofE VA Primary School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 2.0 applications per place 53% 14%
Newlands Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 2.0 applications per place 38% 49%
Featherstone Girnhill Infant School Remains Good2024 2.0 applications per place – 33%
St Giles C of E Academy Faith Improved significantly2025 1.9 applications per place 78% 17%
South Hiendley Primary School Good2022 1.9 applications per place 65% 36%
South Elmsall Carlton Junior and Infant School Good2022 1.9 applications per place 51% 34%
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Moorthorpe Faith Remains Good2022 1.9 applications per place 55% 29%
Stanley St Peters Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Faith 2026 1.9 applications per place 87% 29%
Ark Halfpenny Lane Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.8 applications per place 93% 21%
Crofton Infant School Remains Good · improving2024 1.8 applications per place – 14%
Fitzwilliam Primary School Graded · no overall grade2025 1.8 applications per place 50% 27%
Gawthorpe Community Academy Good2022 1.8 applications per place 60% 26%
Ryhill Junior, Infant and Nursery School Remains Good2023 1.8 applications per place 73% 21%
Normanton All Saints CofE Infant School Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 1.8 applications per place – 16%
Oyster Park Primary Academy 2026 1.8 applications per place 43% 51%
Castleford Three Lane Ends Academy Good2023 1.8 applications per place 42% 34%
Methodist Voluntary Controlled Junior, Infant and Nursery School: With Communication Resource Faith Remains Good2023 1.7 applications per place 65% 19%
Wakefield Lawefield Primary School Remains Good2024 1.7 applications per place 53% 31%
Outwood Primary Academy Newstead Green Good2022 1.7 applications per place 71% 42%
Middlestown Primary Academy 2025 1.6 applications per place 86% 15%
Sitlington Netherton Junior and Infant School 2026 1.6 applications per place 58% 12%
Sharlston Community School Standards maintained2024 1.6 applications per place 64% 36%
Simpson's Lane Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.6 applications per place 84% 54%
Fairburn View Primary School, Castleford Good2023 1.6 applications per place 30% 52%
St Botolphs CE Academy Faith Graded · no overall grade2024 1.6 applications per place 65% 27%
Ark Northfield Primary School Requires improvement2022 1.6 applications per place 83% 23%
South Kirkby Common Road Infant and Nursery School 2025 1.5 applications per place – 35%
Wakefield Snapethorpe Primary School Requires improvement2024 1.5 applications per place 49% 45%
Featherstone Purston Infant School Good2023 1.5 applications per place – 19%
King's Meadow Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 1.5 applications per place 45% 47%
Streethouse Junior, Infant and Nursery School 2026 1.5small intake applications per place 40% 39%
Upton Primary School Remains Good2022 1.4 applications per place 47% 32%
Airedale Junior Academy Remains Good2023 no data 62% 41%
Altofts Junior Academy Graded · no overall grade2025 no data – –
CAPA College Not yet inspected no data – 0%
Castleford Park Junior Academy Remains Good2024 no data 61% 24%
Crofton Junior School Remains Good · improving2023 no data 70% 26%
Featherstone Purston St Thomas Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior School Faith Requires improvement2024 no data 46% 47%
New College Pontefract Not yet inspected no data – 0%
Normanton Junior Academy Remains Good2023 no data 83% 29%
Ossett Southdale Church of England Voluntary Controlled Junior School Faith Graded · no overall grade2025 no data 94% 17%
South Kirkby Academy Good2023 no data 32% 50%

Sources: DfE admissions (Sept 2026), KS2 results, Ofsted. FSM: free school meals.

Special schools and other provision

10 schools