The school was paid a visit by a very special guest this week, former world number one squash player and Commonwealth Games Gold medal winner James Willstrop. James gave a whole school assembly where, amongst many interesting topics, he spoke to the children about the world class squash facilities right here in our town at the Pontefract Squash Club. A group of very lucky children were then given the opportunity to work with James on some of their racket and ball skills.
Visit by Commonwealth Games Gold medal winner James Willstrop
Recent news.
6
January
2026
2026
Pontefract Academies Trust Ranked 1st in the North and 6th Nationally for KS2 Attainment
We are incredibly proud to share the exceptional Key Stage 2 (KS2) outcomes achieved across our Trust. Pontefract Academies Trust is 1st in the North of England and 6th across all England for KS2 attainment, based on DfE data. Across our Trust, 86% of pupils achieved the expected standard – 24% above the national average. By default, this also puts us 1st in Yorkshire and the Humber region for KS2 attainment. Strong Outcomes for Disadvantaged Pupils The DfE figures show that our outcomes for disadvantaged pupils are significantly above the national average for non-disadvantaged pupils. 73% of disadvantaged pupils across… Read more
25
November
2025
2025
James Parkinson wins Gold in National Teaching Awards
We are proud to share the news that James Parkinson, Executive Headteacher at De Lacy Primary School, has been awarded the Gold Award for Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. Announced in the Sunday Times this weekend, this national recognition not only recognises James’ exceptional leadership, but also showcases the remarkable spirit, resilience, and togetherness of our entire school and Trust community. From the moment James joined De Lacy Primary School, he won over the community not with promises, but with hope, action, and belief. He showed families, staff and pupils… Read more