Newby and Scalby Academy

About Newby and Scalby Academy

Newby and Scalby Academy is a state primary in North Yorkshire that is running very close to full capacity, with 417 pupils against a published capacity of 420. That tight fit is reflected in its admissions: for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 133 applications for just 58 places, making it oversubscribed by a factor of 2.29. Of those, 58 families put it as their first preference, and 57 received an offer. The school serves a community where 16.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is slightly above the national average for primary schools and suggests a broadly mixed intake. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, taking children from age 4 through to 11. Its headteacher is Tom Wriglesworth. Given the level of demand, families living close to the school or with siblings already attending will want to check the local admissions criteria carefully.

Academically, Newby and Scalby sits in the top half of North Yorkshire primaries, ranking 90th out of 223 schools on the key stage 2 combined reading, writing and maths expected standard. Its score of 64 puts it just ahead of the local authority average of 60. In the 2023/24 KS2 results, 64% of pupils reached the expected standard in all three subjects, while 5% achieved the higher standard. In reading, 77% met the expected level and 23% reached the higher standard; in maths, the figures were 77% and 30% respectively. Average scaled scores were 104 in both reading and maths. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2025 judged it Good across all areas — quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, early years provision, and leadership and management. This is a notable improvement from its previous inspection in September 2022, when it was rated Requires Improvement overall.

The school offers a solid range of facilities including a dining hall, art studios, gymnasium, playing fields, outdoor playground, sensory room, ICT suite and a chapel. Sports provision includes swimming, cricket, netball and cross country, while clubs cover drama, gardening, science and eco club. For children with additional needs, the school lists support for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social emotional and mental health needs, speech language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent View responses from 114 respondents show 68% would recommend the school, though the SEND support question drew a more mixed response — 48% strongly disagreed that the school gives SEND children the support they need, compared with 11% who strongly agreed. This is a school that suits families who value a broad curriculum and strong behaviour standards, but those with children requiring SEND support may want to explore the school’s approach in more detail.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Newby and Scalby Academy

Helpful Guides for Parents