Appleton Wiske Community Primary School, Northallerton

Ofsted's report card from its 22 September 2026 inspection grades Appleton Wiske Community Primary School on 7 areas: 2 strong standard and 5 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Pupils attend school regularly."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have created a personal development programme that thoughtfully nurtures pupils' character, broadens their horizons and offers plenty of opportunities to help them grow into responsible, mature citizens."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils demonstrate secure understanding across many subjects."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear understanding of the quality of the school's curriculum and teaching."

Early years - Expected standard. "Children experience a broad and well-organised early years curriculum."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have established systems to identify pupils' needs at an early stage and provide timely support."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear understanding of the school's strengths and the areas that need improvement."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that staff consistently support pupils to act on the feedback they receive to enable pupils to make further effective progress through the curriculum and deepen their understanding".

In 2024, 80% of Year 6 pupils at Appleton Wiske Community Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 73% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 73% in North Yorkshire and 76% and 74% across England.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 9 families put Appleton Wiske Community Primary School as their first choice and 13 named it as one of their preferences, for 9 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Appleton Wiske Community Primary School are Great Smeaton Academy Primary School (2.6 miles, Good, 67% reading, 67% maths); Kirklevington Primary School (4.1 miles, Good, 79% reading, 84% maths); Layfield Primary School (4.5 miles, Good, 81% reading, 77% maths); and Yarm Primary School (4.9 miles, Good, 90% reading, 88% maths).

16% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (95%) and Mixed (5%).

In 2026, 13 pupils (17.3%) received SEN support and 1 (1.3%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in North Yorkshire (9).

Appleton Wiske Community Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.