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Simpson's Lane Academy Catchment Area

Reviewed by the catchment.school editorial team · Last updated 15 March 2026

Simpson's Lane Academy is an academy converter primary school in Knottingley, Wakefield , serving pupils aged 3-11, with 402 pupils, and a capacity of 577 places. Find catchment area guidance, admissions policy details and nearby primary schools below.

3-11

Age range

402

Pupils

577

Capacity

70%

Fill rate

Good

Ofsted 2012

Simpson's Lane Academy Catchment Area Information

What is the catchment area for Simpson's Lane Academy?

The catchment area for Simpson's Lane Academy is the geographic zone Wakefield uses to prioritise admissions when this primary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Wakefield publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

As an academy, Simpson's Lane Academy sets its own admissions criteria, agreed with Wakefield. The catchment area boundary is defined in the school's annual admissions policy, which may differ from the LA's general school admissions arrangements.

The official admissions policy, including the catchment boundary map, is published by Wakefield before each admissions cycle. Always verify your address with the council before submitting an application, as boundaries can change year to year.

Find Wakefield catchment area documents →

Simpson's Lane Academy: 577 places, 70% filled: places available

Simpson's Lane Academy has a published admission number of 577 places. 402 pupils were enrolled in the most recent data, giving a fill rate of 70%. At 70% full, the school currently has headroom below its 577 place limit. Catchment distance criteria still apply when the school is oversubscribed, but at current demand levels, places have been available for applicants outside the immediate catchment area.

The fill-rate figure above reflects overall demand, but the school's intake also varies by community profile. 54.1% of pupils at Simpson's Lane Academy are eligible for free school meals, above the national average of around 24%. This reflects the school's role in a higher-deprivation area of Knottingley.

To check whether your home address falls within the historical catchment boundary, use the postcode search tool on this site.

Wakefield publishes its full admissions policy, including oversubscription criteria, the previous year's last-distance figures, and the appeals timetable, on the council's official admissions page. Find Wakefield school admissions →

Simpson's Lane Academy: School Information

Full address
Sycamore Avenue, Knottingley, WF11 0PJ
Local authority
Wakefield
School type
Academy converter
Phase of education
Primary
Age range
3-11 years
Free school meals
54.1% of pupils
DfE URN
138535

Other Primary Schools in Knottingley

If Simpson's Lane Academy is oversubscribed, these primary schools in Knottingley are the next closest alternatives.

Nearest primary schools by distance

These are the primary schools closest to Simpson's Lane Academy by straight-line distance, including ones across a town or council boundary. Distance is not the same as being in catchment: always check each school's own admissions policy for its actual boundary.

Frequently Asked Questions: Simpson's Lane Academy

What is the catchment area for Simpson's Lane Academy?

The catchment area for Simpson's Lane Academy is the geographic zone Wakefield uses to prioritise admissions when this primary school receives more applications than it has places. Children living inside the boundary are ranked higher under the oversubscription criteria, after looked-after children and siblings. Wakefield publishes the exact boundary and the last distance offered before each admissions cycle, and the boundary can change year to year.

Is Simpson's Lane Academy oversubscribed?

Simpson's Lane Academy has a capacity of 577 places and currently has 402 pupils enrolled. For the most up-to-date data, check with Wakefield.

What is the admissions policy for Simpson's Lane Academy?

Admission to Simpson's Lane Academy is managed by Wakefield. When oversubscribed, places go to looked-after children first, then siblings, then catchment area distance. Always verify the current policy with the council before applying.

What age range does Simpson's Lane Academy cover?

Simpson's Lane Academy is a primary school in Knottingley, Wakefield, serving pupils aged 3-11. For the latest information, visit the school's website or the DfE Get Information About Schools service.

What is the Ofsted rating for Simpson's Lane Academy?

Simpson's Lane Academy was rated Good by Ofsted in 2012. Full inspection reports are available at reports.ofsted.gov.uk.

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