Carleton High School
97%
Capacity
1,021
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Carleton High School
Carleton High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,021 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated Carleton High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Shaheen Shariff, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.12 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.4. Additionally, ranked 1268th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 18 in Wakefield.
Carleton High School is a popular choice with families — it received 470 applications for 206 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 224 were first-preference applications.
Carleton High School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.8/5 from 2 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 79% recommending the school (97 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Carleton High School include Library, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Dining Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Martial Arts, Cross Country, Hockey and 3 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Model UN, Book Club, Science Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.8%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wakefield, Carleton High 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 | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Green Lane, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF8 3NW |
| Headteacher | Shaheen Shariff |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 1,021 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,021 / 1,050 (97% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
6 Nov 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (6 Nov 2024): Improved significantly
Source: Ofsted, 10 Sept 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.12)
1268th of 3,141
Nationally
111th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
7th of 18
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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.
Ofsted Parent View
97 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed206
470
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
224 families put this school as their 1st choice (48% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carleton High School
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
Green Lane, Pontefract
Wakefield, WF8 3NW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
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