Sharlston Community School is based in Sharlston village, a small, ex-mining community, near the city of Wakefield. The school serves a mixed catchment area and is an average sized primary school which, although not quite full in every year group, has a growing number on roll. The proportion of children known to be eligible for support through pupil premium is above average, and rising each year.

Our school community is based on positive relationships that are underpinned by mutual respect. The dedicated staff at Sharlston work together as a fantastic team to support both one another, and the children in our care. Smiles and laughter are a key part of each and every day as we believe happy children make fantastic learners. We have high expectations in all aspects of school life; visitors often comment on the high standards of behaviour, the warm welcome they receive and the enjoyment in school life.

Our last Ofsted inspection judged the school to have maintained a ‘Good’ rating, and we are keen to build on our strengths and embed excellence throughout.

Our children are courteous, well behaved and happy learners (Ofsted 2019 :  The strengths in pupils’ behaviour have been maintained. Pupils move around school in an orderly fashion and demonstrate good manners. In lessons, pupils participate attentively in learning and cooperate well with their peers. Attitudes to learning are good and pupils are keen to work hard and to challenge themselves to do even better).

 With a slightly above average proportion of SEND children, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive school and promote equality of opportunity. All pupils, whatever their needs, are fully involved in the life of the school.

A strong partnership exists within the local community. Visitors say Sharlston has a welcoming atmosphere and parents speak positively about school, telling us that staff are approachable and willing to listen.

The wellbeing of all our staff and pupils is important to us. Staff say they feel well supported and that they have opportunities to develop and improve the quality of teaching and learning.

 At Sharlston we strive to be the best we can possibly be, and have high expectations of all our staff, and for all our children.