Minsthorpe Community College
90%
Capacity
1,575
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Minsthorpe Community College
Minsthorpe Community College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,575 pupils on roll and is well-filled (90% of 1,755 places).
Ofsted has rated Minsthorpe Community College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark Gilmore/ Rachael Merritt, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.21 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1052nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 18 in Wakefield.
Minsthorpe Community College is a popular choice with families — it received 375 applications for 288 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 310 were first-preference applications.
Minsthorpe Community College parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 96% recommending the school (253 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Minsthorpe Community College include Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Library, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Dance, Gymnastics, Football and 4 more, as well as clubs including Film Club, Eco Club, Debate, Newspaper and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.3%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Wakefield, Minsthorpe Community College 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Minsthorpe Lane, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF9 2UJ |
| Headteacher | Mark Gilmore/ Rachael Merritt |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 1,575 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,575 / 1,755 (90% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Nov 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (8 Nov 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 1 Apr 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.21)
1052nd of 3,141
Nationally
92nd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
6th 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
35.9
'22/23
27.9
'23/24
31.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
253 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed288
375
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
310 families put this school as their 1st choice (83% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minsthorpe Community College
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
Minsthorpe Lane, Pontefract
Wakefield, WF9 2UJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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