Airedale Academy
85%
Capacity
1,063
Pupils
1.2x
Demand
About Airedale Academy
Airedale Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,063 pupils on roll and is well-filled (85% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Airedale Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Andy Percival, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.72 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 34.0. Additionally, ranked 2866th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 17th out of 18 in Wakefield.
Airedale Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 211 applications for 177 places, making it 1.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 141 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Airedale Academy include Library, Theatre, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Netball, Gymnastics, Football and 4 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Debate, Science Club, Gardening and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 49.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wakefield, Airedale Academy 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Crewe Road, Castleford, Wakefield, WF10 3JU |
| Headteacher | Andy Percival |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 1,063 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 49.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,063 / 1,250 (85% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
30 Jan 2024Overall Effectiveness
Requires improvement
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.72)
2866th of 3,141
Nationally
277th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
17th of 18
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed177
211
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
141 families put this school as their 1st choice (67% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airedale Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Crewe Road, Castleford
Wakefield, WF10 3JU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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