CAPA College

CAPA College is a 16-19 free school specialising in creative and performing arts, part of Enhance Academy Trust, with 497 students across five pathways. The inspection found the college performing at the highest level across inclusion, leadership and governance, education programmes, achievement, curriculum and teaching, and participation and development. Safeguarding standards are met. The college's inclusive ethos is central: leaders, trustees and governors have built a culture where students from all backgrounds, including those with SEND or other barriers, are identified early and supported through bespoke provision, strong pastoral care and close work with families and external agencies. Students achieve exceptionally well, with high distinction grades, strong progress from starting points, and many progressing to prestigious higher education, conservatoires or professional arts careers. Teaching is highly skilled and industry-informed, with the curriculum shaped by employers, alumni and arts professionals and adapted to current sector demands. Students benefit from outstanding work-related opportunities, a rich tutorial and careers programme, and a supportive environment that builds confidence, resilience and professional behaviour. Leaders also prioritise staff wellbeing and development, and governors provide effective support and challenge. No significant weaknesses were identified.

Strengths

• Highly inclusive culture that ensures students from all backgrounds can access high-quality arts education.
• Exceptional leadership, governance and trusteeship with a clear strategic focus and strong support and challenge.
• Bespoke support for students with SEND and other barriers, including strong pastoral and learning support.
• Consistently high achievement, with many students attaining distinction grades.
• Students make extensive progress from their starting points and are well prepared for creative careers.
• Industry-informed curriculum co-designed with employers, alumni and arts professionals.
• Highly skilled teachers and visiting specialists who use effective assessment and feedback.
• Strong work-related learning, including performances, recordings and national competitions.
• Excellent tutorial and careers guidance that helps students make informed progression plans.
• Students develop maturity, resilience, confidence and professional behaviours.
• High attendance and strong student commitment despite challenging personal circumstances.
• Effective staff wellbeing charter and tailored professional development.
• Successful outreach and regional partnerships that widen access to arts training.
• Safeguarding culture is open and positive, with concerns actively identified and managed.

In 2024–25, 0.0% of pupils at CAPA College were suspended at least once (nationally 7.3%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 CAPA College had 20.0 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for secondary schools was 16.7). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 2.7% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.1%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26, 24.9% of pupils at CAPA College were on SEN support (nationally 14.1%) and 1.4% had an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 3.5%).

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded secondary schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2024–25 CAPA College received £6,862 and spent £6,365 for each of its 504 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £562,000 (£1,115 per pupil).

Across all 17 schools of Enhance Academy Trust, income was £7,136 and spending £7,057 per pupil.

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24). Academy figures include a share of the trust's central services, shared out by pupil numbers, and are rounded to the nearest £1,000. Premises costs were defined differently from 2024, so compare them across that gap with care.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Wakefield · Wakefield local authority: places and applications

CAPA College is part of Enhance Academy Trust, which runs 17 schools. The nearest others:

• St Michael's CofE Academy Wakefield
• Sandal Magna Community Academy Wakefield
• Horbury Bridge Church of England Junior and Infant Academy Wakefield
• Overthorpe CofE Academy Dewsbury
• Featherstone All Saints CofE Academy Pontefract
• Batley Parish CofE Primary Academy Batley
• Royston St John Baptist CE Primary Barnsley
• Diamond Wood Community Academy Dewsbury
• St Helen's CE Primary School Pontefract
• St Giles C of E Academy Pontefract

What is CAPA College's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for CAPA College is Exceptional, from an inspection in June 2026.

When was CAPA College last inspected by Ofsted?

CAPA College was last inspected in June 2026.

How many pupils does CAPA College have?

CAPA College has 502 pupils on roll.

What age range does CAPA College cover?

CAPA College for pupils aged 16 to 19.

Where is CAPA College?

CAPA College is at Mulberry Way, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2QN.