Area Information

Upton, located within the civil parish of Upton and North Elmsall in the City of Wakefield, occupies a compact footprint of 1.4 km². This built-up area sits south of Badsworth and north of North Elmsall, forming part of the SESKU region bordering South Yorkshire. Historical records from the Domesday Book identify the location as having a church, with a name translating to "Higher Town". The site of Upton Colliery operated from 1924 until its closure in 1964 after geological issues led to an explosion. Once a coal mining community, the village is now regenerating as housing overflow for nearby Doncaster and Pontefract. The current cossetting lies in the WF9 postcode district with an OS grid reference of SE470134. Local residents might visit the Upton Arms pub or explore geological features including Carboniferous and Permian rocks visible in the local landscape. A greyhound racing track operated near the Greenfield Hotel from 1933 until around the Second World War. Living in Upton involves engaging with this developed former industrial settlement that has evolved through historical shifts to its present state as a residential area.

Area Type
Built Up Area 250
Area Size
1.4 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Residents enjoy practical access to five retail outlets including Co-op New, Morrisons Daily Pontefract, and Heron South. These supermarkets and shops are within walking or short driving distance, enabling daily grocery shopping without extensive travel. The area also benefits from proximity to five rail stations beyond the local network, enhancing access to wider destinations. Local character includes the Upton Arms pub and the historic Greenfield Hotel. You can explore local geology featuring rocks from the Carboniferous and Permian periods dating back 290 to 270 million years. The village includes the site of a former independent greyhound racing track from the 1930s. While major commercial centres remain outside the immediate vicinity, the named amenities provide sufficient convenience for everyday needs. Living in Upton offers a blend of historical landmarks and modern retail accessibility suitable for busy households.

Amenities

Schools

Families considering schools near Upton have access to several local options including Harewood Lane First School, Upton Middle School, and Upton Primary School. Upton Primary School holds a "good" Ofsted rating, providing verified quality assurance for parents. The provision of multiple primary institutions suggests catering to different catchment areas or denominations within the SE470134 grid reference zone. Upton Middle School and Harewood Lane First School round out the immediate educational infrastructure available to local children. Parents should verify specific year-group intake requirements at each institution, though the data confirms the presence of three distinct primary or middle-level facilities. The concentration of these schools within the area means you can expect reasonable access to local education without relying solely on transport to external districts. Each named school represents a specific option for your children's schooling choices within the Upton and North Elmsall parish boundaries.

RankSchoolTypeEntry genderAges

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Demographics

The community profile reflects a settled population with a median age of 70 years. Residents across the area show significant age variation, though the data does not specify a single most common age range beyond listing "Age: Total". Seven out of ten adults in the area own their homes, indicating a high level of long-term residence and stability within the community. Historical records note the parish was in the wapentake of Osgoldcross, yet modern census data focuses on current household composition rather than historic boundaries. The demographic information points to an older population structure compared to many newer urban developments. When considering buying homes in Upton, you enter a neighbourhood where established residents dominate the population mix. This stability contrasts with areas experiencing rapid demographic turnover. The consistent home ownership rate suggests fewer transient occupants and a community integrated over decades rather than formed by temporary migrants seeking shelter.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

73
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

27
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Crime Risk
    Premium

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically lives in Upton and what is the community feel like?
Residents have a median age of 70 years, suggesting an older, settled demographic. With a home ownership rate of 73%, the area features stable families who have remained locally for generations. The community reflects a former coal mining village now undergoing regeneration, with a mix of historic character and modern housing developments.
What schools are available for children in the area?
Families can choose from Harewood Lane First School, Upton Middle School, and Upton Primary School. Upton Primary School holds a "good" Ofsted rating. These institutions provide primary education options locally without requiring travel to distant districts for younger children.
How reliable is the internet connection for working from home?
Digital connectivity is exceptional with a fixed broadband score of 100 out of 100 and a mobile coverage score of 85. These top-tier ratings ensure full-speed internet and strong phone signals throughout the 1.4 km² neighbourhood, supporting seamless remote working and online services.
What retail and leisure options are within practical reach?
Residents have access to five retail locations including Co-op New, Morrisons Daily Pontefract, and Heron South. Local landmarks include the Upton Arms pub and the Greenfield Hotel. The area also features unique geological sites with Carboniferous and Permian rocks visible nearby.
Is the area safe for daily living?
Upton has a medium crime risk level with a safety score of 58 out of 100. This warning category indicates crime rates around the national average. Standard security precautions are advisable, but the area does not require specific high-risk measures beyond normal household protection.

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