Ackworth Mill Dam School
93%
Capacity
219
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Ackworth Mill Dam School
Ackworth Mill Dam School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 219 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 236 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Ackworth Mill Dam School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Clare Holloway, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 69% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, ranked 4626th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 39th out of 97 in Wakefield.
Ackworth Mill Dam School is a popular choice with families — it received 70 applications for 29 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 26 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 3 areas, including Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication, Physical Disability. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ackworth Mill Dam School include Dining Hall, Outdoor Playground, Sports Hall, Sensory Room, Playing Fields, Forest School, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Swimming, Rounders, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Drama, Gardening, Book Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 15.5%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wakefield, Ackworth Mill Dam School is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Mill Gate, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF7 7PH |
| Headteacher | Clare Holloway |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 219 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 15.5% |
| School Capacity | 219 / 236 (93% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Jan 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (20 Jan 2022): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 14 Dec 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (69%)
4626th of 13,686
Nationally
467th of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
39th of 97
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
69%
Expected Standard
4%
Higher Standard
'22/23
56%
'23/24
69%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed29
70
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
26 families put this school as their 1st choice (37% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ackworth Mill Dam School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Mill Gate, Pontefract
Wakefield, WF7 7PH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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