Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School
114%
Capacity
358
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School
Orchard Head Junior and 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 358 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (114% of 315 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Kara Adams, 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 467th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 97 in Wakefield.
Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School is a popular choice with families — it received 120 applications for 42 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 60 were first-preference applications.
Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.5/5 from 1 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 90% recommending the school (49 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 4 areas, including Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication, Physical Disability and 1 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School include Sensory Room, Library, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Outdoor Playground, Art Studios, Dining Hall, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Dance, Gymnastics, Football and 1 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Coding, Eco Club.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.3%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wakefield, Orchard Head Junior and 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 | Orchard Head Lane, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF8 2NJ |
| Headteacher | Kara Adams |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 358 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.3% |
| School Capacity | 358 / 315 (114% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Mar 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (12 Mar 2025): Improved significantly
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 26 Nov 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (88%)
467th of 13,686
Nationally
37th of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
7th 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
16%
Higher Standard
'22/23
64%
'23/24
88%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
49 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
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
8Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed42
120
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
60 families put this school as their 1st choice (50% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orchard Head Junior and 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
Orchard Head Lane, Pontefract
Wakefield, WF8 2NJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
Opening Hours
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