Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy

About Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy

Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy in Wakefield is a primary school that parents seem to trust. While the school data does not include a specific parent recommendation percentage, the school's oversubscription ratio is not provided in the available information, so we can't measure demand directly from that metric. However, the school's journey to its current Ofsted rating tells a reassuring story. In its most recent graded inspection in February 2020, the school was rated Good overall, a significant improvement from its previous inspection in October 2017 when it was rated Requires Improvement. This upward trajectory suggests a school that has addressed its weaknesses and is now on a firmer footing. The inspection report highlighted personal development as Outstanding, which is a strong signal that children are well-supported beyond just academic learning. Behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and the quality of education were all rated Good, while early years provision also received a Good rating.

Academically, the school's performance sits within the context of Wakefield's primary landscape. The local authority average for Key Stage 2 attainment is 64, and while Smawthorne Henry Moore Academy's own KS2 SATs results are not included in the data, the school's Good rating for quality of education suggests it is meeting expected standards. The school is a mixed, non-faith primary for children aged 2 to 11, with nursery provision on site. It does not have a sixth form, which is typical for a primary school. Among its local peers, Jerry Clay Academy, Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy, and Larks Hill Junior and Infant School all share a ranking score of 93, placing them among the top-performing schools in the area. For families prioritising an Outstanding-rated school, the nearest option is Halfpenny Lane Junior Infant and Nursery School, located 3.5 kilometres away.

The school offers a practical range of facilities including a library, ICT suite, playing fields, a forest school, and a chapel. Sports provision covers cricket, rounders, gymnastics, netball, athletics, and swimming, while extracurricular clubs include gardening, coding, drama, science club, and eco club. With a capacity of 530, it is a reasonably large primary school. The headteacher is Sophie Dixon. For families in the Wakefield area, this school may suit those who value a strong focus on personal development and a broad range of activities, particularly outdoor learning through the forest school. The school's improvement from Requires Improvement to Good also makes it a sensible choice for parents who want to see a school that has demonstrably turned things around. Its nursery provision is a practical bonus for families with younger children.

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