Athersley North Primary School
Barnsley, S71 3NB · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
72nd of 72 primary schools in Barnsley we can score, 77 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.6/10 against 800 of them, against 2.0/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 49.0 · 17 | 40% | 0.69 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Athersley North Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 2.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit the Roundhouse Library.
Getting in
The published school roll is 290 pupils against a stated capacity of 280. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific areas did the May 2026 inspection highlight for improvement?
What Ofsted said about Athersley North Primary School
Overview
Athersley North Primary School is described as a place where pupils enjoy learning within a "nurturing ethos" and feel "safe and well supported." While the curriculum is "broad and carefully sequenced" and teaching is generally effective, the report highlights that recent improvements have not yet translated into strong end-of-key-stage outcomes or improved attendance.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Staff wellbeing is prioritised, with employees describing the environment as "like a family" and workload being regularly reviewed.
- Inclusion is effective; leaders "know these pupils well" and use appropriate adaptations to help disadvantaged and SEND pupils engage positively.
- Personal development is "well embedded," with pupils speaking confidently about staying safe and understanding healthy relationships.
- Early years provision is "well planned," allowing children to achieve well from their starting points.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure gaps in key knowledge in writing and reading for key stage 2 are "quickly closed."
- Systems to improve attendance need to be embedded, as persistent absence is increasing, particularly for pupils with special educational needs.
- Early years activity choices require refinement to "more precisely match learning and address gaps in pupils' knowledge."
Safeguarding
The report confirms that safeguarding standards are met, stating that leaders have established an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and that "pupils are made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 51% |
| 2023/24 | 25% |
| 2024/25 | 49% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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