Crofton Academy serves the village of Crofton and the wider Wakefield district as a popular secondary school for students aged 11 to 16. Located on High Street, the academy has established a reputation for stability and ambition since joining the Castleford Academy Trust in May 2020. The school currently holds a Good rating from Ofsted, with the latest graded inspection in July 2023 confirming that it is a school transformed. With a capacity for 1,050 students, the academy balances academic achievement with a supportive environment where individuals are encouraged to succeed.
The atmosphere at Crofton Academy is one of calm purpose. Following its integration into the Castleford Academy Trust, expectations for student behaviour and academic achievement have been raised significantly. The core values of Care, Aspire, and Succeed are visible throughout the school day, from the structured registration period at 8:50 am to the orderly dismissal at 3:05 pm.
Mr Peter Walker has led the school as Headteacher since March 2016, providing consistent leadership through its recent period of rapid improvement. The academy operates as a community hub; it is common to find multiple generations of local families who have attended the school. This deep local connection creates a sense of belonging and stability. Physical facilities are well maintained, including a comprehensive sports hall and specialist resourced provision for students with visual impairments.
Academic performance at Crofton Academy indicates strong value added for its students. In the 2024 GCSE results, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50, exceeding the England average of 45.9. This score reflects the total achievement across a suite of eight key subjects.
The Progress 8 score of +0.26 is a key strength. It demonstrates that students at Crofton Academy make more progress from the end of primary school to their GCSEs than students with similar starting points elsewhere in England.
Crofton Academy ranks 1,686th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Within the Wakefield local authority, it ranks 9th among secondary schools. This performance puts the school in the national typical band, representing solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). While the percentage of pupils achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above is 12.6%, the school continues to focus on raising attainment across all subject areas.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation before students specialise. Students in Years 7 to 9 study a wide range of subjects, including traditional academics and creative options, before starting their examination courses in Year 10. The school uses a structured approach to teaching that benefits all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Teachers are noted for their high expectations and clear subject expertise. The academy has invested heavily in digital learning tools, with students regularly using platforms like Sparx Maths, Educake, and GCSE Pod to support their studies. This blending of traditional classroom instruction with modern technology helps students consolidate their knowledge and prepare for the rigours of external examinations.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Pastoral support is a priority, with the Group Tutor serving as the primary point of contact for families. The school's pastoral programme is designed to help students navigate the significant physical and social changes of their teenage years. Year Leaders provide an additional layer of oversight, ensuring that any barriers to learning are identified and addressed early.
Safeguarding procedures are rigorous. The school works in partnership with the Wakefield and District Safeguarding Children Board to protect students and promote their welfare. Mental health and wellbeing are also supported through a range of external organisations, ensuring students know where to turn for help and advice.
The extracurricular offer at Crofton Academy is extensive and highly regarded. Sports are a major pillar of school life, with a dedicated sports hall that includes markings for badminton, netball, and basketball. The school offers a range of clubs including:
Football (Years 7 to 10), Netball (Years 7 and 8), Rugby (Years 7 to 9), and Fitness.
Drama Club, Rock Band, Computer Games Development, and a DT Club.
Dungeons and Dragons, Crafty Reads, and a Pride and Equality Club.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is also popular, offering Year 9 students the opportunity to develop leadership and outdoor skills.
Securing a place at Crofton Academy is increasingly competitive. Admissions are coordinated by Wakefield Council. For the most recent intake, the school received 378 applications for 205 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.84. This indicates that nearly two families applied for every available seat.
Priority is given to looked after children, those with siblings at the academy, and those living within the local area. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered, as proximity is a key factor in successful applications.
As an 11 to 16 academy, Crofton provides dedicated support for post 16 transitions. Students receive careers education and guidance to help them select appropriate paths, whether they be A-levels, vocational courses, or apprenticeships. The school has strong links with local providers, including Wakefield College and NEW College Pontefract. The academy's focus on literacy and numeracy ensures that leavers are well equipped for the next stage of their education or employment.
Applications
378
Total received
Places Offered
205
Subscription Rate
1.8x
Apps per place
The school day runs from 8:45 am to 3:05 pm. While the academy does not offer formal breakfast or after school childcare clubs, it provides a vast array of extracurricular clubs after school, many of which are free. Transport information is available for those living further away, and the school site features ample parking for visitors and staff.
This is a state school with no tuition fees. All core education is government funded. Families may occasionally be asked for voluntary contributions for optional trips or specialized extracurricular materials, but no child is excluded from core activities based on an inability to pay.
Crofton Academy is a school that has successfully moved from a challenging past to a bright future under the Castleford Academy Trust. Its solid progress scores and high expectations for behaviour make it a reliable choice for local families. Best suited to students who thrive in a structured environment with strong community roots. The main challenge for parents is securing a place in this increasingly popular academy.
Yes. Crofton Academy was rated Good in all areas by Ofsted in July 2023. The school has seen a significant transformation in recent years, with improvements in behaviour and academic achievement. It ranks in the top tier locally for progress, with a Progress 8 score of +0.26.
In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50, which is well above the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 9th out of secondary schools in Wakefield for its GCSE performance.
Yes, it is consistently oversubscribed. For the latest intake, there were 1.84 applications for every available place. This makes it one of the more competitive non selective schools in the region.
No, Crofton Academy is an 11 to 16 school. Students move on to local colleges or other school sixth forms after completing their Year 11 studies.
There is no fixed catchment boundary, but places are allocated based on priority groups and distance from the school. Given the high demand, living in the immediate Crofton area is typically necessary to secure a place.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
