Carleton High School

Carleton High School is a warm and welcoming school, where there is a strong community and family feel. We are a high achieving school, with academic outcomes for progress consistently being above the national average. In our recent Ofsted inspection in November 2024, we were recognised as 'Good Improving', which acknowledges the extraordinary journey that Carleton High School has been on.

In September 2025, we opened the doors to our brand-new teaching block. The building offers modern, purpose-built facilities to support learning and teaching. 

Carleton High School, part of Pontefract Academies Trust, was named the most improved school in the North of England, according to the Fairer Secondary Schools Index, published by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.

Ofsted

Evidence gathered during this ungraded (section 8) inspection suggests that the school's work may have improved significantly across all areas since the previous inspection.

“There is a tangible sense of 'family' at this school. The school's ethos of 'Team Carleton' is lived by staff and pupils."

"Pupils are happy and enjoy learning. The school has high ambition for all pupils. Pupils achieve highly."

View Carleton High School’s latest Ofsted report

2025 Edurio Staff Survey

Pontefract Academies Trust has been recognised with the Trust Value Award – Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Awards – placing us among the top 10 performing trusts nationally, based on staff feedback.

Our Trust received fantastic results in the survey, with 85% of staff saying they would recommend Pontefract Academies Trust as a good place to work – significantly higher than the national benchmark of 73%.

At Carleton High School, our own survey results were encouraging. Here’s what some staff had to say…

“This is a very caring place to work....all staff look out for each other and you can talk to anyone if you feel you need to."

“I feel very lucky that I am part of such a lovely department and there are so many great people I work with."