Best Secondary Schools in Wakefield 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 18 schools across Wakefield. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

17%

Outstanding rate

64.7%

Avg KS2 SATs

38.3

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Castleford Academy Secondary	Outstanding	62	View school
🥈	Outwood Grange Academy Secondary	Outstanding	61	View school
🥉	The King's School Secondary	Good	53	View school
4.	Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College Secondary	Good	53	View school
5.	Kettlethorpe High School Secondary	Good	51	View school
6.	Horbury Academy Secondary	Good	51	View school
7.	St Thomas à Becket Catholic Secondary School, A Voluntary Academy Secondary	Good	50	View school
8.	St Wilfrid's Catholic High School & Sixth Form College: A Voluntary Academy Secondary	Good	50	View school
9.	Carleton High School Secondary	Good	50	View school
10.	Outwood Academy City Fields Secondary	Outstanding	49	View school
11.	De Lacy Academy Secondary	Good	48	View school
12.	Trinity Academy Cathedral Secondary	Requires Improvement	48	View school
13.	Minsthorpe Community College Secondary	Good	47	View school
14.	The Featherstone Academy Secondary	Good	46	View school
15.	Crofton Academy Secondary	Requires Improvement	46	View school
16.	Outwood Academy Freeston Secondary	Requires Improvement	37	View school
17.	Airedale Academy Secondary	Good	33	View school
18.	Outwood Academy Hemsworth Secondary	Requires Improvement	31	View school

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Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Wakefield?

There are 18 secondary schools in Wakefield, of which 3 (17%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Wakefield?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Wakefield is Castleford Academy. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Wakefield?

Primary and secondary school applications in Wakefield are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Wakefield council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Wakefield?

17% of secondary schools in Wakefield are rated Outstanding and 61% are rated Good. 75.2% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.