Sowerby Primary Academy

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 2 to 11
Ofsted: Good

Topcliffe Road, Sowerby, Sowerby Primary Academy, Thirsk, YO7 1RXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Sowerby Primary Academy is a primary school in Thirsk for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 376 schools in North Yorkshire. It ranks 6th of 10 primary schools in Thirsk. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2014.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 9 December 2014, report published 12 January 2015

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 21 June 2022

Pupils are proud of their school. Teachers encourage pupils to have high aspirations. Teachers inspire pupils by naming classes after renowned scientists and mathematicians. Pupils aspire to great things for themselves. Pupils' behaviour is good and bullying is very rare. Pupils know and follow the simple rules of being ready, respectful and safe. Pupils appreciate how adults look after them and sort out disputes when needed. Pupils have the chance to take a full part in school life. They spoke with enthusiasm about the recent event to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Pupils celebrated the occasion through music and dance performances on the outdoor stage. Pupils show respect for others. They learn about differences in race, religion and gender, and they value equality. Teachers are alert to pupils' moods and feelings. Pupils receive help when they are worried, anxious or upset. The home-school link worker is an important member of the staff team. Pupils work hard and teachers expect them to always try their best. This effort carries through to sports events, including the recent sports day. Leaders encourage pupils to value good sporting behaviour as much as winning.

What the school should improve

  • Some parts of the school's curriculum are not yet sufficiently well planned. In a minority of subjects, key ideas are not mapped out with enough clarity. As a result, pupils' learning is less secure and they are less able to build their understanding over time. Leaders should further refine curriculum planning so that the knowledge and skills that pupils need to acquire are clearly mapped out in all subjects. This will enhance pupils' learning across the curriculum.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

48 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths65%

65%, 3 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths4%

4%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score105

105, 1 below the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score103

103, 2 below the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

279 pupils on roll, with places for 339

Eligible for free school meals18.3%

18.3%, 8.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language6.5%

6.5%, 15.1 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support21.5%

21.5%, 6.7 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.5%

2.5%, 3.5 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Sowerby Primary Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
All Saints Catholic Primary School, a Catholic Voluntary Academy0.1 milesOfsted: Good50% met the expected standard
Keeble Gateway Academy0.5 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Thirsk Community Primary School0.8 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standard30% met the expected standard
South Kilvington Church of England Academy2 milesReport card: Strong standard92% met the expected standard
Carlton Miniott Primary Academy2 milesOfsted: Good71% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
ELEVATE MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
2 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mrs Keeley Ungerechts
Address
Topcliffe Road, Sowerby, Sowerby Primary Academy, Thirsk, YO7 1RX
Local authority
North Yorkshire
URN
145369

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.