Sharlston Community School, Wakefield

In its own words: "We inspire every child to shine by nurturing their unique talents and fostering a love for learning. Together, as a community, we celebrate success as a shared experience, empowering everyone to reach their full potential. Our values guide everything we do at Sharlston Community School. They are reflected in our commitment to excellence, inclusion, and community."

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of our entire school community, I am delighted to welcome you to Sharlston Community School. I am incredibly proud to be the Headteacher of a school that sits at the heart of its community and where our dedicated staff share a genuine passion for our children, our families and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to SHINE."

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

In 2025, 68% of Year 6 pupils at Sharlston Community School reached the expected standard in reading and 77% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 75% in Wakefield and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 76% in reading and 76% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 29 families put Sharlston Community School as their first choice and 47 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 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 Sharlston Community School are Streethouse Junior, Infant and Nursery School (0.4 miles, Requires improvement, 60% reading, 53% maths); Crofton Junior School (1.2 miles, Good, 82% reading, 77% maths); Shay Lane Primary (J and I) School (1.3 miles, Good, 69% reading, 69% maths); and Crofton Infant School (1.3 miles, Good).

Sharlston Community School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 3 schools.

Sharlston Community School 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.

64 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Sharlston Community School (as of September 2025): 83% would recommend the school, 83% say their child is happy there and 39% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that pupils behave well (89%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (39%).

33.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 5.9% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 41 pupils (17.2%) received SEN support and 5 (2.1%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Streethouse Rail Station, about 920 metres away (roughly a 11-minute walk).

4 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Weeland Crescent (at), 370 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 36 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Wakefield (130).

In 2024/25, Sharlston Community School issued 2 suspensions, 0.7 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Sharlston Community School are Crofton Academy (1.3 miles) and Outwood Academy Freeston (1.6 miles).