Castleford Academy
98%
Capacity
1,477
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About Castleford Academy
Castleford Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,477 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (98% of 1,500 places).
Ofsted has rated Castleford Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Wesley Bush, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.41 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.6. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 635th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 18 in Wakefield.
Castleford Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 476 applications for 279 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 316 were first-preference applications.
Castleford Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 73% recommending the school (150 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 11 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 8 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Castleford Academy include Science Labs, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Theatre, Library, Tennis Courts, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Football, Rugby, Basketball and 2 more, as well as clubs including DofE, Gardening, Debate, Choir and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wakefield, Castleford 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Ferrybridge Road, Castleford, Wakefield, WF10 4JQ |
| Headteacher | Wesley Bush |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 1,477 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,477 / 1,500 (98% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
28 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 18 Mar 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.41)
635th of 3,141
Nationally
53rd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
1st of 18
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
Ofsted Parent View
150 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed279
476
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
316 families put this school as their 1st choice (66% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Castleford 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
Ferrybridge Road, Castleford
Wakefield, WF10 4JQ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
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