About Us

Carlton Junior and Infant School is a large primary school at the heart of the South Elmsall community in the Wakefield district, educating around 450 pupils. We are a two‑form‑entry school, welcoming children from nursery through to Year 6. Most of our pupils come from the local catchment area, which reflects a wide mix of social and economic backgrounds. Currently, 17% of our pupils are identified as having SEND, including those with an Education Health Care Plan. In addition, 33% are classed as disadvantaged, and 9% speak English as an additional language. To support our families, we provide a breakfast club from 7:45am and wrap‑around care after school until 6:00pm.

Carlton is a warm, inclusive school where children feel secure, valued, and ready to learn. We take pride in our considerate, well-rounded pupils and are committed to a holistic approach that inspires every child to reach their full potential. Our curriculum has recently been redesigned to better reflect the needs of our community. Knowledge and vocabulary sit at its core, with learning carefully sequenced so that understanding builds progressively across terms, years, and subjects. This approach enables pupils to develop deep, lasting knowledge throughout their time with us.

Alongside academic success, we place great importance on nurturing kindness, respect, and responsibility towards others and the environment. We promote independence and positive decision‑making, encouraging children to think for themselves and grow as confident learners. During our most recent Ofsted inspection, inspectors highlighted the strength of our school community, noting: “Positive and caring relationships are a key feature… A strong family atmosphere helps pupils to feel safe and secure.”

We hope you enjoy exploring our website.