Clapgate Primary School

About Clapgate Primary School

Clapgate Primary School in Leeds is a state primary for mixed genders aged 3 to 11, and it is clearly a popular choice among local families. The school has a capacity of 498 pupils and currently enrols 440, leaving some room but not much slack. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 129 applications for just 60 places, with 61 of those applications coming as first preferences. That works out at 2.15 applications per place, a strong signal of demand. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 35.6%, which is notably higher than the national average for primary schools and suggests Clapgate serves a community with above-average levels of disadvantage. The school is non-religious and has a nursery provision, meaning it takes children from age three. Heather Taylor is the headteacher.

Academically, Clapgate performs solidly above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 68% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Leeds local authority average of 61%. The school ranks 80th out of 204 primaries in the city, placing it in the top 40% locally. Average scores in reading and maths both sit at 103, slightly above the national benchmark of 100. At the higher standard, 19% of pupils achieved that level in maths, 14% in reading and 5% in writing. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2024, the school retained its overall Good rating, with Outstanding marks for early years provision and personal development. Behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and quality of education were all rated Good. Compared with its previous inspection in 2015, the school has maintained its Good overall rating while improving early years from a Requires Improvement to Outstanding.

The school offers a wide range of facilities including a sports hall, gymnasium, music rooms, art studios, a sensory room and a forest school, alongside playing fields and an outdoor playground. Sports on offer include football, netball, cricket, tennis, swimming and athletics, and there are clubs for gardening, coding and book club. Clapgate has a substantial SEND offer, with provisions for autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, dyslexia and hearing impairment. The school is oversubscribed, so families applying for a Reception place will need to ensure they meet the admissions criteria. With its strong SEND support, above-average KS2 outcomes and a clear community focus, Clapgate is a good fit for families in south Leeds who want a primary with a nursery and a proven track record of supporting pupils from diverse backgrounds.

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