Athersley South Primary School
Barnsley, S71 3TP · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
28th 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 — 7.9/10 against 1,737 of them, against 6.5/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Athersley South Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 15.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit Howtown and Ullswater.
Getting in
The published school roll is 306 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils who need extra help with reading?
What Ofsted said about Athersley South Primary School
Overview
This ungraded inspection confirms that Athersley South Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school is described as a “friendly and happy” environment where pupils “love coming here” and achieve well within an “ambitious curriculum.” Leaders and staff work in harmony to ensure high expectations and strong pupil outcomes.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy “strong and positive relationships with staff” and are “kind and polite,” taking pride in their work and responsibilities.
- The curriculum is “ambitious,” with leaders carefully selecting knowledge and providing “high-quality training” for staff, including specific support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Staff prioritise “promoting pupils’ love of reading” and are “well trained in teaching phonics,” ensuring weaker readers receive “effective additional support.”
- Pastoral care is a strength, with “daily check-ins” and recent mental health initiatives creating “happy pupils” who feel safe and supported.
- Parents speak positively, with all respondents to the Ofsted Parent View survey saying they “would recommend the school.”
Areas to improve
- The school’s initiatives to improve attendance are “not reducing rates of absence swiftly enough,” meaning some pupils miss out on important learning and wider aspects of school life.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 61% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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