St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract
108%
Capacity
227
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract is a state-funded Roman Catholic primary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 227 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 210 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract "Good", the school is led by headteacher Michaela Velayudhan Tomlin, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 73% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 3330th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 28th out of 97 in Wakefield.
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract is a popular choice with families — it received 71 applications for 30 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 30 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), 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 St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract include Art Studios, Dining Hall, Sensory Room, ICT Suite, Forest School, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Gymnastics, Football, Athletics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Film Club, Coding.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 9.3%, which is well below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wakefield, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract 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 | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Newgate, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF8 4AA |
| Headteacher | Michaela Velayudhan Tomlin |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 227 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 9.3% |
| School Capacity | 227 / 210 (108% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Apr 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 20 May 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (73%)
3330th of 13,686
Nationally
327th of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
28th of 97
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
73%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
52%
'23/24
73%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed30
71
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
30 families put this school as their 1st choice (42% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Pontefract
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
Newgate, Pontefract
Wakefield, WF8 4AA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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