The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School Review 2026

An unusually strong set of Key Stage 2 outcomes is the headline here. In 2024, 86.33% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, well above the England average of 62%. Ranked 82nd in England and 1st in Pontefract for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), this sits among the highest-performing primaries in England (top 2%).

The school educates pupils from age 3 to 11, including a term-time nursery. It is part of Pontefract Academies Trust, and the current headteacher is Mr D Dunn.

Expectations are explicit and consistently reinforced. Pupils know and follow the school’s “7 Golden Rules”, and rewards are concrete enough for children to understand, including a rainbow badge at 400 reward points. Responsibility is also visible, pupils can apply to be tour guides, sports leaders and play leaders, and they may wear a blazer to signal their role.

Peer relationships are structured rather than left to chance. Playground leaders are described as helping younger pupils resolve disagreements, and a buddy bench is used so that children can find someone to talk to at breaktimes. Bullying is described as rare, and pupils are said to have a clear understanding of what it is.

For families considering early years, the nursery is positioned as a transition stage into Reception and beyond, with clear session times and a term-time pattern. The school also has a purpose-built specially resourced provision for deaf pupils, and British Sign Language is referenced as part of inclusive practice.

The published figures indicate performance well above England averages at Key Stage 2. In 2024, 86.33% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared with an England average of 62%. At the higher standard, 53.67% achieved greater depth in reading, writing and mathematics, compared with an England average of 8%.

Scaled scores are similarly high: reading 112, mathematics 110, and grammar, punctuation and spelling 114. Science also reads strongly, with 86% meeting the expected standard. Ranked 82nd in England and 1st in Pontefract for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), results place the school among the highest-performing in England (top 2%).

A key implication for parents is that children are likely to be taught at a brisk pace by the later juniors, with more pupils needing stretch than catch-up. That can be motivating for confident learners; it may also mean families should ask how support is organised for pupils who need more time to secure core knowledge.

Lesson structures are intended to be consistent across subjects, and the curriculum is described as carefully sequenced towards ambitious endpoints. Where this is working well, the report describes pupils learning purposefully and achieving well, with staff holding high expectations.

Reading is treated as a priority, with early reading taught consistently and phonics delivered with precision. Books are matched to the sounds pupils know, and additional phonics sessions are used for pupils who need to catch up. For older pupils, reading culture is supported through librarians guiding choices, and an incentive model that includes a book vending machine for regular reading.

Mathematics is described as benefiting from clear sequencing and teachers’ strong subject knowledge. Pupils use resources that support mental calculation at speed and apply calculation knowledge to problem-solving.

The main area flagged for improvement is consistency in some foundation subjects, where teachers are not always following the intended structure, leaving pupils less clear about what is expected and what key knowledge should be remembered.

As a Wakefield primary in the Carleton pyramid, the most straightforward transition route is typically into Carleton High School.

Given the school’s Key Stage 2 profile, it is also sensible for families to ask about preparation for the Year 6 to Year 7 transition beyond academics: organisational routines, independence, and how the school supports pupils who are moving into a larger setting. The school’s leadership roles and emphasis on rules and responsibilities suggest a culture that values readiness and self-management.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Reception admissions are coordinated by Wakefield Council rather than directly by the school. For September 2026 entry, Wakefield’s online parent portal opens on 01 November 2025, and the national closing date for on-time applications is 15 January 2026. Offer information is available from 16 April 2026.

Demand indicators suggest competition for places. Recent Reception entry data shows 101 applications for 45 offers, around 2.24 applications per place. This does not guarantee oversubscription every year, but it is a useful signal that families should apply on time and use realistic preferences.

For nursery, children can join from the term after they turn 3, and the nursery is funded through the free childcare scheme, with universal 15 hours for 3 to 4 year olds. The school also signposts the expansion of funded childcare for eligible working parents from September 2025, potentially up to 30 hours.

Parents trying to judge likelihood of entry should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to understand proximity and realistic alternatives, especially where local demand is high.

The safeguarding statement in the latest inspection is clear, and systems are described as well embedded with annual staff training and appropriate checks.

Pastoral practice is also built into day-to-day routines. Pupils are described as happy and feeling safe, with clear rules about staying safe online and in the community. Peer support features through playground leaders and the buddy bench model.

Inclusive practice is a consistent theme. The school’s deaf resourced provision is referenced, and British Sign Language is described as being used across the school to support access and confidence for pupils with SEND, alongside peers.

Personal development is framed as part of the curriculum, linking to relationships and health education, citizenship, and protected characteristics. Lunchtime provision is used to widen access, with free lunchtime clubs described as a deliberate approach to participation.

Leadership is treated as something pupils do, not just learn about. Roles include tour guide, sports leader and play leader, and pupils may wear a blazer to mark responsibility. That matters for confidence building, especially for children who gain momentum through purposeful roles rather than purely academic recognition.

Two distinctive elements stand out. First, there is a trust-wide competitive sport strand, referenced through PAT Games, and competition is presented as a normal part of school life. Second, inclusive communication is not purely policy language, the accessibility planning references a child British Sign Language after-school club and a signing choir as part of deaf awareness work.

The official start time for Reception to Year 6 is 08:50, with the school day ending at 15:20. Total school hours are stated as 32.5 per week. Nursery operates term-time, with morning, afternoon and full-day sessions.

Breakfast provision is described, including a breakfast offer up to 08:30. Wakefield’s school listing indicates before-school and after-school clubs are available, although it also flags wraparound provision as “NO”, which makes it worth checking directly what “after-school club” means in practice and what the latest timings are.

For travel planning, most families will approach by local roads within Carleton and Pontefract; Wakefield also provides a school travel map link via its listing.

• Competition for places. Recent Reception entry data shows 101 applications for 45 offers. For many families, the limiting factor is admission rather than the education once a place is secured.

• Curriculum consistency in some foundation subjects. The latest inspection points to inconsistency in how lesson structure is applied in parts of the wider curriculum. Families who value breadth should ask how subject leaders are tightening sequencing and recall beyond English and maths.

• Wraparound clarity. Breakfast provision is clear, but the council listing distinguishes between clubs and wraparound. Families needing later childcare should confirm the current offer and pick-up times before relying on it.

• Leadership change since the last inspection. The inspection in January 2023 names a different headteacher at that time. If leadership stability matters to you, ask how priorities and routines have evolved under the current head.

For families seeking a high-performing Pontefract-area primary with strong Key Stage 2 outcomes and a clear behaviour culture, this is a serious contender. The combination of very high attainment, structured pupil responsibilities, and inclusive practice (including deaf resourced provision) will suit children who respond well to clear rules and visible recognition.

Best suited to families who want ambitious academics without losing sight of community responsibility and inclusion. Entry is likely to be the main hurdle, so shortlisting should include realistic alternatives alongside an on-time application.