The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School
Carleton Road, Carleton, Pontefract, WF8 3NPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School is a primary school in Pontefract for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 155 schools in Wakefield. It ranks 9th of 33 primary schools in Pontefract. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 10 January 2023, report published 15 February 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 10 January 2023
All staff have high expectations of pupils at The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School. Pupils are happy and feel safe. There is a clear understanding of the rules to stay safe, both online and in the local community. Pupils work purposefully in lessons and achieve well. Pupils know and follow the school's '7 Golden Rules'. They attain many rewards for following them. Pupils proudly talk about receiving a rainbow badge when they earn four hundred reward points. In lessons and at playtimes, pupils are exceptionally polite and respectful to each other. Bullying is rare, and pupils have a clear understanding of what this is. The playground leaders help younger pupils to resolve any disagreements and support them to make good choices. At the buddy bench, pupils can find a friend to talk to. There are many opportunities for pupils to be leaders within the school. Pupils can apply to be a tour guide, sports leader and play leader. If they are successful, they may wear a school blazer to show they have this responsibility. Pupils are proud of this and undertake the roles well. Visiting artists at the school further enhance the curriculum for pupils, such as when pupils made their own Greek vases. All members of the school community embrace equality of opportunity. They are passionate about ensuring that all pupils can thrive together. Pupils with disabilities are supported well to ensure they can access all activities alongside their peers. Pupils understand the importance of treating everyone fairly.
What the school should improve
- In some foundation subjects, leaders need to carefully monitor learning activities so that pupils remember key knowledge that prepares them well for the future. Some teachers do not carefully organise what they want pupils to learn in order to build on secure prior knowledge. Pupils do not remember the key knowledge from these lessons. Subject leaders need to make sure teachers understand how to sequence learning effectively in all lessons so that pupils will remember key knowledge that prepares them well for future learning.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
44 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
330 pupils on roll, with places for 316
Schools near The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton Park Junior and Infant School | 0.6 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 87% met the expected standard |
| De Lacy Primary School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 80% met the expected standard |
| Larks Hill Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 97% met the expected standard |
| Cherry Tree Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 49% met the expected standard |
| Holy Family and St Michael's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 35% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ARK SCHOOLS
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr David Dunn
- Phone
- 01977600368
- Address
- Carleton Road, Carleton, Pontefract, WF8 3NP
- Local authority
- Wakefield
- URN
- 139504
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.