Barkisland CofE VA Primary School
Halifax, HX4 0BD · Calderdale · primary school
Check the area around this school
21st of 76 primary schools in Calderdale we can score, 81 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 the 2,118 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3/10 among them, against 7.1/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barkisland CofE VA Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2025. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.3 out of 10 among them, against 7.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Daily Mile, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 197 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2025 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Barkisland CofE VA Primary School
Overview
Barkisland CofE VA Primary School has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a “welcoming and friendly school” where relationships are “warm and respectful,” reflecting a positive culture. Pupils are happy, attendance is high, and they behave well, with learning rarely disrupted.
Strengths
- Reading is a key priority, with “quality phonics teaching” ensuring pupils receive support matched to their understanding.
- Subject curriculums are carefully structured, with key concepts that “build on previous learning,” such as in computing.
- The personal development offer is “exceptionally well considered,” helping pupils understand different cultures and become responsible citizens.
- Early years provision is strong, with a “coherently thought-out approach” that ensures children are well prepared for Year 1.
- Staff are “well supported by leaders” regarding workload and well-being, and leaders have an “accurate view” of the school’s strengths.
Areas to improve
- Ensure teaching enables pupils with SEND to access necessary support and resources, as current limitations hinder their progress.
- Ensure pupils develop secure foundational writing skills, as letter formation is not consistently taught and errors are not always addressed.
Safeguarding
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 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 60% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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