Best Schools in Wakefield 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 137 schools and nurseries in Wakefield — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Wakefield is a metropolitan borough in West Yorkshire with 137 schools, making it one of the larger education authorities in the region. The borough covers Wakefield city, Pontefract, Castleford, Normanton, Ossett, Horbury and surrounding areas. It has a diverse mix of urban and semi-rural schools.
Wakefield at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Wakefield
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton Park Junior and Infant School | Wakefield | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Jerry Clay Academy | Wakefield | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Larks Hill Junior and Infant School | Wakefield | Outstanding | 93% | — | — |
| Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy | Wakefield | Good | 93% | — | — |
| England Lane Academy | Wakefield | Outstanding | 90% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Wakefield
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castleford Academy | Wakefield | Good | +0.41 | 67% | 22% |
| Trinity Academy Cathedral | Wakefield | Outstanding | +0.34 | 68% | 49% |
| Horbury Academy | Wakefield | Good | +0.32 | 71% | 22% |
| St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy | Wakefield | Good | +0.29 | 62% | 28% |
| Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College | Wakefield | Good | +0.24 | 80% | 28% |
Admissions in Wakefield — Key Dates
Wakefield Council coordinates admissions. The city has several Catholic and Church of England schools requiring supplementary forms. Distance is the main criterion for community schools. The borough borders Kirklees, Leeds and Barnsley.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Wakefield?
Outwood Grange Academy, Ossett Academy and Horbury Academy are among the higher-performing secondaries. QEGS Wakefield is a leading independent school. Kettlethorpe High School in South Ossett also achieves strong results.
How many schools are in Wakefield district?
Wakefield district has 137 schools across Wakefield city, Pontefract, Castleford, Normanton, Ossett and surrounding areas.
Is Wakefield good for schools?
Wakefield has a range of school performance. Areas like Ossett, Horbury and parts of Pontefract have strong schools. The Outwood Grange Academies Trust manages several schools in the area and has driven improvement.
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