CAPA College

About CAPA College

CAPA College is a state-funded 16-19 mixed sixth form in Wakefield, and while the school does not publish a parentView recommend percentage, its oversubscription ratio tells a clear story: the school has 504 pupils against a capacity of 500, meaning it is effectively full and likely oversubscribed. This suggests strong local demand, particularly given that the school is one of only two Outstanding-rated institutions in Wakefield’s 21 secondary schools, according to local context data. The nearest Outstanding alternative, Trinity Academy Cathedral, is 1.6 km away, so CAPA College holds a distinct position in the area. Headteacher Claire Nicholson leads a school that offers a broad range of facilities including a swimming pool, theatre, sports hall, astro turf, science labs, and even a chapel, alongside clubs such as Drama, Model UN, DofE, and Young Enterprise. For families considering post-16 options, the school’s full capacity and specialist sixth-form centre signal a focused, sought-after environment.

Academically, CAPA College’s most recent KS5 data from 2023/24 shows strong performance. The school achieved a value-added score of 0.49, with a confidence interval of 0.33 to 0.64, placing it in the ‘Well above average’ progress banding. This means students typically make significantly more progress than similar students nationally. The average points per entry was 42.26, equivalent to a B+ grade, and the best three A-levels averaged 14.09 points, roughly an E+ grade per subject. However, the AAB percentage is 0, indicating that no students achieved the highest AAB combination in at least two facilitating subjects. With 137 pupils in the cohort, the school’s results are based on a sizeable group. For context, the local authority average Progress 8 score is 0, so CAPA College’s positive value-added stands out against the Wakefield benchmark, reinforcing its reputation for strong academic outcomes at sixth-form level.

The school’s SEND provisions are comprehensive, covering Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social Emotional & Mental Health, Speech Language & Communication, Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Physical Disability, and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, making it a viable option for students with a wide range of additional needs. Sports offered include tennis, netball, hockey, dance, and athletics, while facilities like the gymnasium and playing fields support active lifestyles. The official sixth form means the school is dedicated to post-16 education, and clubs such as Book Club, Choir, Gardening, and Art Club provide enrichment beyond the classroom. CAPA College suits families in Wakefield and surrounding areas who want a focused, high-progress sixth form with strong facilities and a clear track record of academic value-added, particularly for students aiming for B+ average grades or above, though those targeting the very top AAB grades may need to consider alternatives.

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