Darrington Church of England Primary School, Pontefract

In its own words: "We strive to equip pupils with the skills to become lifelong motivated and independent learners by providing a curriculum that is broad, balanced and relevant to their needs. We work extremely hard to enable all of our pupils to have the enthusiasm, confidence and skills to achieve their full potential."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Where our core values of Peace, Respect, and Friendship form the foundation of everything we do. As the Headteacher of this amazing school, I am honoured to be part of a community that embodies these values each day."

In 2025, 79% of Year 6 pupils at Darrington Church of England Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 79% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 75% in Wakefield and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 86% in reading and 86% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 18 families put Darrington Church of England Primary School as their first choice and 39 named it as one of their preferences, for 15 places offered. That is 1.2 first choices for every place. 3 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Darrington Church of England Primary School are Ark The Rookeries Carleton Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 73% reading, 77% maths); Ark De Lacy Primary School (1.3 miles, Outstanding, 82% reading, 82% maths); Cherry Tree Academy (1.4 miles, Requires improvement, 53% reading, 60% maths); and Holy Family and St Michael's Catholic Primary School, A Voluntary Academy (1.4 miles, Good, 58% reading, 54% maths).

Darrington Church of England Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

42 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Darrington Church of England Primary School (as of September 2025): 81% would recommend the school, 98% say their child is happy there and 25% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child is happy at the school (98%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (25%).

7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 3.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The nearest railway station is Pontefract Baghill Rail Station, about 1.8 miles away in a straight line.

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Thorntree Close (at), 270 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 10 crimes within a mile of the school, most often vehicle crime, criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Wakefield (130).

In 2024/25, Darrington Church of England Primary School issued 16 suspensions, 12.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.