Barnby Dun Primary Academy
Doncaster, DN3 1BG · Doncaster · primary school
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12th 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 — 7.9/10 against 4,263 of them, against 7.8/10 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 | 73.0 · 73 | 40% | 2.94 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 16.0 · 85 | 25% | 2.14 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Barnby Dun Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 73.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 16.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 230 pupils against a stated capacity of 320. 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 do not reach the expected standard in maths? What does the daily timetable look like for Year 6 students? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Barnby Dun Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are keen to succeed and feel safe, with low levels of bullying. Leaders have developed a "very ambitious curriculum" that enables most pupils to gain new knowledge and apply it meaningfully across subjects. While the overall effectiveness is rated as Good, the inspection highlights specific inconsistencies in supporting vulnerable learners and gaps in the writing curriculum.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate impressive behaviour, high attendance, and a positive attitude towards learning, understanding that mistakes help them learn.
- The curriculum allows pupils to explore "big concepts" and make meaningful comparisons, such as analysing the development of capital cities in geography.
- Reading provision has been successfully developed, with staff using assessment strategies to precisely identify and address gaps in phonic knowledge.
- Personal, social and emotional education is strong, focusing on healthy relationships and providing deep insight into religious beliefs through "circle time" discussions.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff knowledgeable about local risks such as county lines and online safety.
Areas to improve
- Adaptations for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, such as pre- and post-teaching, are not always well implemented, requiring more consistent training for staff.
- The writing curriculum is too narrow, focusing heavily on non-fiction; leaders must review it to ensure pupils build expertise in narrative texts.
- In the early years, adults do not always introduce new vocabulary during play activities, missing opportunities to extend children’s language development.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving improved training focused on local issues and the designated safeguarding lead thoroughly checking and referring concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 73% |
| 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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