"Key Stage 3 attainment has risen far more rapidly than nationally is now in line with the national average.  The proportion of pupils gaining IT accreditation at the end of Key Stage 4 has risen from 8 to 29% - OFSTED Report - February 2001

Wakefield Metropolitan District extends beyond the City of Wakefield itself.

The total District population is about 320,000.  The main centres are Wakefield, Horbury and Ossett to the west, the "five towns"  of Normanton, Castleford, Pontefract, Featherstone and Knottingley in the centre and the north-east, and Hemsworth and South Elmsall in the south-east.  The District is not wholly urban.  Many people live in the small towns and villages peppered around the attractive countryside.

The City of Wakefield is at the heart of the UK motorway network, at the intersection of the M1 and M62.  It is on the main Leeds-London railway line and is well placed for access to Manchester and Leeds/Bradford Airports.

The Wakefield District used to be known as a traditional mining area, but the economy is now attracting more and more distribution and service industries.  Many household names are based here, attracted by the good transport links, the skilled and adaptable workforce and the good quality of life.