Balby Central Primary Academy
Doncaster, DN4 0LL · Doncaster · primary school
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62nd of 88 primary schools in Doncaster we can score, 98 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.2/10 against 1,864 of them, against 2.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Balby Central Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. 2.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 448 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. 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 interventions are in place to help students reach the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in attainment?
What Ofsted said about Balby Central Primary Academy
Overview
Balby Central Primary Academy is judged as ‘Good’ across all inspection categories, marking an improvement from its previous ‘Requires improvement’ rating. The report highlights a school where “pupils are happy and feel safe” and where leaders have implemented a “well-designed curriculum” with high aspirations for all. While national assessment outcomes remain below average, the school is taking “effective action to improve” through a broad and ambitious educational offer.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate positive behaviour, striving to meet school values of being “ready, respectful and safe” in lessons and at breaktimes.
- Early reading is taught consistently well, with the “vast majority of pupils” able to read fluently by the end of Year 2.
- The personal development programme effectively supports well-being, including opportunities for physical activity and learning about different faiths.
- Leaders and governors hold senior staff to account effectively, prioritising staff well-being while driving “timely and sustainable improvements”.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, such as the trust choir and residential visits, which help develop their talents.
Areas to improve
- In the early years, adults must intervene more promptly during child-led play to extend children’s vocabulary and understanding.
- The school needs to embed its new writing programme consistently to help pupils develop the knowledge and stamina to “write accurately and at length”.
- Leaders should continue working to improve the attendance of pupils who do not regularly attend school.
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 | 37% |
| 2023/24 | 49% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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