King's Meadow Academy, Pontefract

In its own words: "At King’s Meadow Academy, our vision is simple: we want to create a school community full of happy children who are confident, independent and thoughtful. Our school will be a beacon rooted in the community, providing a signpost for those who need it."

From the headteacher's welcome: "We are a friendly, community-focused school, and we pride ourselves on the provision we offer all children through our highly inclusive ethos, engaging curriculum, vibrant learning environment, and creative approach to education. We pride ourselves on the positive ‘feel’ of King’s Meadow - something that truly has to be experienced in person."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care, from £3 per day.

In 2025, 59% of Year 6 pupils at King's Meadow Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 45% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 75% in Wakefield and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 48% in reading and 50% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 30 families put King's Meadow Academy as their first choice and 48 named it as one of their preferences, for 33 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to King's Meadow Academy are Fitzwilliam Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 71% reading, 57% maths); West End Academy (1.2 miles, Good, 73% reading, 81% maths); Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane (1.5 miles, Good, 88% reading, 85% maths); and St Helen's CE Primary School (1.5 miles, Good, 84% reading, 74% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than King's Meadow Academy.

King's Meadow Academy is one of 16 schools run by Waterton Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 65% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

46 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about King's Meadow Academy (as of September 2025): 78% would recommend the school, 80% say their child is happy there and 60% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child does well at the school (89%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (60%).

47.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 37 pupils (15.8%) received SEN support and 7 (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.

King's Meadow Academy had 10 teachers in 2026, one for every 24 pupils: fewer teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Fitzwilliam Rail Station, about 230 metres away (roughly a 3-minute walk).

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Kings Meadow Academy (opposite), 70 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood King's Meadow Academy stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 50 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Wakefield (130).

In 2024/25, King's Meadow Academy issued 14 suspensions, 5.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.