The Vale Primary Academy
Ferrybridge Road, Knottingley, WF11 8JFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Vale Primary Academy is a primary school in Knottingley for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 155 schools in Wakefield. It ranks 25th of 98 primary schools in Wakefield. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in December 2024, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 3 December 2024, report published 16 January 2025
This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Outstanding
- Personal development
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 3 December 2024
The Vale Academy helps pupils thrive. Staff create an exceptionally caring and welcoming environment. They prioritise the well-being of every individual. Together, they work to achieve the highest aspirations for all. Relationships between staff and pupils are exceptionally strong. This nurtures a culture of ambition and trust. The enthusiasm pupils have for their learning reflects the inspiring atmosphere. The school is dedicated to promoting regular and punctual attendance. This ensures that pupils benefit from all the school has to offer. Pupils consistently show positive behaviour, both in lessons and at social times. They show respect for their peers and staff, contributing to a harmonious and supportive school environment. Pupils take pride in their roles within the school community. They demonstrate a mature understanding of how they contribute positively to school life. Pupils benefit from a broad, ambitious and expertly designed curriculum. The school, supported by the trust, meticulously reviews and enhances all subject areas. This ensures exceptional quality. Pupils experience lessons that are seamlessly sequenced and thoughtfully delivered. This ignites their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Pupils make remarkable progress, consistently exceeding expectations from their starting points.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
25 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
218 pupils on roll, with places for 236
Schools near The Vale Primary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson's Lane Academy | 0.5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | 84% met the expected standard |
| England Lane Academy | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | 85% met the expected standard |
| Willow Green Academy | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | 63% met the expected standard |
| St Botolphs CE Academy | 0.9 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good to outstanding | 65% met the expected standard |
| Brotherton and Byram Community Primary Academy | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 48% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- DELTA ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Sally Cartwright
- Phone
- 01977722485
- Address
- Ferrybridge Road, Knottingley, WF11 8JF
- Local authority
- Wakefield
- URN
- 138332
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.