Arksey Primary School

About Arksey Primary School

Arksey Primary School punches well above the local average when it comes to Key Stage 2 outcomes. In the 2023/24 academic year, 83% of its pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Doncaster local authority average of just 61% for primary schools. That puts the school in the top 10% nationally and ranks it 4th out of 87 primaries in the borough. The school’s ranking score of 83 also places it third in the local authority when considering all primary schools, just behind Crookesbroom Primary Academy and St Oswald’s CofE Academy. It’s a small school — just 72 pupils against a capacity of 140 — and it’s oversubscribed: for 2025/26 entry, there were 9 applications for 8 places, with all 8 first-preference families offered a spot. That level of demand makes sense given the results.

Digging into the detail, the school’s performance is strong across the board. In reading, 83% of pupils met the expected standard and 42% reached the higher standard, with an average scaled score of 106. Maths was similar: 83% at expected, 33% at the higher level, and an average score of 107. Writing saw 83% at expected and 17% at the higher standard. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in May 2022, rated it Good overall, with Good for both leadership and management and the quality of education. That’s a notable improvement from its previous graded inspection in 2012, which had rated the school Requires Improvement. The ungraded inspection in 2022 confirmed the school remains Good. There are no progress scores available in the data, but the attainment figures alone suggest pupils are arriving at the end of Key Stage 2 well prepared.

The school sits on a site that includes a library, playing fields, a sports hall, an ICT suite, an outdoor playground and a chapel. Sports on offer include cricket, tennis, netball, dance and rounders, and there are clubs for gardening, book club, film club and eco club. For SEND, the school supports pupils with specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia), social, emotional and mental health needs, and speech, language and communication needs. With just 13.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school has a relatively low level of disadvantage compared with many primaries. It’s a state-funded, mixed, non-religious primary for ages 4 to 11, with no nursery or sixth form. Given its strong academic record and small size, it’s likely to suit families who want a tight-knit school with solid results and a good range of activities, though the oversubscription means early application is wise.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Arksey Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents