Garforth Academy mainly serves the community of Garforth with some pupils travelling further to school from communities such as Micklefield, Kippax, Colton, Whitkirk, Swillington, Aberford and Crossgates. Whilst the majority of pupils live within walking distance we do have a broad intake of primary schools with current year 7 pupils coming from 27 primary schools. The Key Stage 2 APS on entry is broadly in line with national average but some year groups are slightly below national average on entry.
The academy is larger than average, and has around 300 pupils per year group in Key Stages Three and Four with a large 6th form in excess of 400 pupils. We serve a diverse community and whilst a large proportion of pupils come from affluent backgrounds, some pupils live in areas containing pockets of deprivation, characterised by high unemployment, an inadequate employment base, low average income levels, poor physical and mental health and a degraded urban environment. It is therefore important that our curriculum meets needs the needs of all learners from a wide range of backgrounds.
The proportion of disadvantaged pupils is below the national average (16% v 29%) as is the number currently in receipt of Free School Meals (7% v 12%). Pupils within the academy are mainly White British, with only 2.7% of pupils having EAL. The number of pupils with an EHCP is 1.3%, and a small number of pupils requiring behavioural and emotional support attend The Elland Academy in Leeds, which is a registered Alternative Provision within Delta Academies Trust.
We serve our local community and work closely with partners to plan a set of learning experiences that meet the needs of our pupils. In addition, we use local, national and international labour market intelligence to plan courses to best prepare our young people for life beyond school. We have the highest standards and expectations for all pupils and we strive to provide a curriculum that respects the needs of all pupils as well as one that encourages young people to seek continuous development and improvement.