The short version
Below-average SATs results. 76% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2024).
- SATs results are below the national average, with 49% meeting the expected standard (national: 62%)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2024
- 50% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Reading, Writing & Maths
Expected standard
Pupils meeting expected level in all three
49%
-13.0pp vs nationalHigher standard
Pupils exceeding expected level
5%
-3.0pp vs nationalSubject scores
Reading
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
101
-5.0 vs nationalMaths
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
100
-5.0 vs nationalGrammar & spelling
Average scaled score (100 = expected)
102
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 21 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 14 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 18 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Primary
- Ages
- 3–11
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 240
- Capacity
- 76%
- FSM
- 49.8%
Governance
- Local authority
- Wakefield
- Trust
- WATERTON ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Adam Dawson
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
- Nursery
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksMonitoring visit
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Cobblers Lane, Pontefract, WF8 2HN
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmDe Lacy Primary School
Primary · 522m away
Harewood Centre Nursery School
Nursery · 593m away
High Well School
Special school · 674m away
Dove Adolescent Services
Independent · 1.0km away
St Giles C of E Academy
Primary · 1.5km away
The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School: With Hearing Impairment Resource
Primary · 1.6km away
The Rookeries Carleton Junior and Infant School
Primary · 1.6km away
Orchard Head Junior and Infant and Nursery School
Primary · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
What is Cherry Tree Academy's Ofsted rating?
Cherry Tree Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in March 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Cherry Tree Academy?
Cherry Tree Academy currently has 240 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Cherry Tree Academy take?
Cherry Tree Academy caters for pupils aged 3 to 11. It is classified as a primary school.
Where is Cherry Tree Academy?
Cherry Tree Academy is in Pontefract, WF8 2HN, in the Wakefield local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Cherry Tree Academy have a sixth form?
No, Cherry Tree Academy does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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