The Vale Primary Academy
92%
Capacity
218
Pupils
2.7x
Demand
About The Vale Primary Academy
The Vale Primary Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Wakefield community, welcoming children from age 3 to 11. The school has 218 pupils on roll and is well-filled (92% of 236 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
the school is led by headteacher Sally Cartwright, it falls under Wakefield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 74% 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 2995th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 24th out of 97 in Wakefield.
The Vale Primary Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 81 applications for 30 places, making it 2.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 27 were first-preference applications.
The Vale Primary Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 77% recommending the school (82 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Vale Primary Academy include Dining Hall, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, Library, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Forest School, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Swimming, Rounders, Dance, as well as clubs including Gardening, Chess, Film Club, Science Club and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.4%, which is close to the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Wakefield, The Vale Primary 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 | Ferrybridge Road, Knottingley, Wakefield, WF11 8JF |
| Headteacher | Sally Cartwright |
| Local Authority | Wakefield |
| Number of Pupils | 218 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.4% |
| School Capacity | 218 / 236 (92% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 16 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (74%)
2995th of 13,686
Nationally
291st of 1,506
In Yorkshire and the Humber
24th of 97
In Wakefield
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
74%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
77%
'23/24
74%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
82 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
9Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed30
81
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
27 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Vale Primary 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
Ferrybridge Road, Knottingley
Wakefield, WF11 8JF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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