Airedale Academy vs Ark Orchard Head Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Yorkshire and the Humber, England, 2.0 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Airedale Academy
Castleford · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,008 students
Ark Orchard Head Primary School
Pontefract · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
335 students
| Measure | Airedale Academy Castleford, Yorkshire and the Humber | Ark Orchard Head Primary School Pontefract, Yorkshire and the Humber |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 14 Lower 50% | 86 Top 10% |
| Region rank | #343 of 366 | #116 of 1,636 |
| National rank | #3859 of 4,090 | #1343 of 15,697 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 1,008 | 335 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,008 | 335 |
| Free school meals | 51.9% | 23.1% |
| Capacity filled | 80.6% | 106.3% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | 89% |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | 26% |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 33.8 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 25.1% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 43.6% | – |
| EBacc average points | 2.81 | – |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Castleford | Pontefract |
| region | Yorkshire and the Humber | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Website | www.airedaleacademy.com/ | arkorchardhead.org.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Ark Orchard Head Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (85.6 vs 13.5).
- •Airedale Academy is the larger school with 1,008 students compared with 335.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Airedale Academy better than Ark Orchard Head Primary School?
On the Success Index (England), Ark Orchard Head Primary School ranks higher (85.6 vs 13.5 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Airedale Academy and Ark Orchard Head Primary School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Castleford and Pontefract in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Airedale Academy: 1,008. Ark Orchard Head Primary School: 335. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Airedale Academy and Ark Orchard Head Primary School rank in Yorkshire and the Humber?
Airedale Academy is 343rd of 366 and Ark Orchard Head Primary School is 116th of 1,636 among secondary schools in Yorkshire and the Humber on the 2025 Success Index (England).