Embsay Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

About Embsay Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Ofsted's Parent View survey, completed by 90 families between September 2024 and September 2025, shows that 92% of respondents would recommend Embsay Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School to other parents. That's a strong vote of confidence, and the detail backs it up: 94% agreed or strongly agreed that their child is happy, and the same proportion felt their child is safe. On communication, 96% said the school makes them aware of what their child will learn, and 92% felt they're kept informed about progress. The school is clearly popular locally too. For the 2025/26 intake, Embsay received 47 applications for just 23 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.04. Twenty of those applications were first-preference choices, and all 20 received offers. So if you're considering this school, getting your application in early is essential.

Academically, Embsay sits in the middle of the pack. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 61% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined. That's almost exactly in line with the North Yorkshire local authority average of 60%. The school's ranking of 106th out of 223 primary schools in the county places it in the 47th percentile, so it's a solidly average performer rather than a standout. Looking at individual subjects, reading was the strongest area: 84% reached the expected standard and 35% achieved a higher (greater depth) score. Maths followed with 77% at expected and 16% at higher, while writing saw 65% at expected but only 3% at higher. The average scaled scores were 106 for reading and 104 for maths. Embsay's most recent graded Ofsted inspection, in February 2020, rated the school Good across all categories, and an ungraded inspection in March 2025 confirmed that standards are being maintained.

The school is a Church of England primary with a strong sense of identity, reflected in its on-site chapel. Facilities include a library, dining hall, gymnasium, art studios and a Forest School programme. There's a decent range of sports on offer – cross country, swimming, athletics, cricket, football, rounders and tennis – plus clubs like chess, book club and gardening. For families with children who have additional needs, Embsay lists provisions for specific learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, speech and language needs, physical disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. The Parent View data on SEND support was positive: 88% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need. With 196 pupils on roll against a capacity of 207, the school is nearly full but not bursting. Just 4.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is low compared to national averages. This is a school that suits families who value a Church of England foundation, a strong community feel and a broadly average academic profile for the area.

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