Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School
104%
Capacity
437
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School
Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 437 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 420 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher Ian Shuttleworth, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 88% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 5% of schools nationally. Additionally, ranked 473rd out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 97 in Wakefield.
Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School is a popular choice with families — it received 103 applications for 49 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 37 were first-preference applications.
Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 88% recommending the school (74 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School include Sports Hall, Forest School, Outdoor Playground, Sensory Room, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Netball, Rounders, Athletics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Book Club, Drama, Eco Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 25.0%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wakefield, Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery 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 | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 3 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF8 4BW |
| Headteacher | Ian Shuttleworth |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 437 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 25.0% |
| School Capacity | 437 / 420 (104% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 May 2025Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (88%)
473rd of 13,686
Nationally
38th of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
8th of 97
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
88%
Expected Standard
28%
Higher Standard
'22/23
90%
'23/24
88%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
74 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
5Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed49
103
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
37 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Halfpenny Lane, Pontefract
Wakefield, WF8 4BW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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