Simpson's Lane Academy
70%
Capacity
402
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Simpson's Lane Academy
Simpson's Lane Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 402 pupils on roll, operating at 70% capacity. Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher Lee Colley, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 77% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2057th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 18th out of 97 in Wakefield.
Simpson's Lane Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 65 applications for 47 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 43 were first-preference applications.
Simpson's Lane Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 86% recommending the school (21 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Simpson's Lane Academy include Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sensory Room, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Outdoor Playground, Forest School, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rounders, Cricket, Gymnastics and 1 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Gardening, Coding, Science Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 54.1%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wakefield, Simpson's Lane Academy 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 | Sycamore Avenue, Knottingley, Wakefield, WF11 0PJ |
| Headteacher | Lee Colley |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 402 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 54.1% |
| School Capacity | 402 / 577 (70% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Jun 2025Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 20 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (77%)
2057th of 13,686
Nationally
198th of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
18th of 97
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
77%
Expected Standard
12%
Higher Standard
'22/23
77%
'23/24
77%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
21 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
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed47
65
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
43 families put this school as their 1st choice (66% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simpson's Lane Academy
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
Sycamore Avenue, Knottingley
Wakefield, WF11 0PJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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