Birdwell Primary School
Barnsley, S70 5XB · Barnsley · primary school
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4th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.6/10 against 3,364 of them, against 9.3/10 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 | 85.0 · 94 | 40% | 3.75 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 19.0 · 90 | 25% | 2.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Birdwell Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 85.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 19.0% of pupils, 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 (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.3 out of 10 against all schools). An inspection in January 2026 used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
A breakfast club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 191 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 who do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific areas did the January 2026 inspection highlight for development?
What Ofsted said about Birdwell Primary School
Overview
Birdwell Primary School is described as a place where pupils "achieve very well" and "flourish" within a "warm and friendly environment." The report highlights "consistent and effective leadership" that has created a strong culture of belonging, ensuring high standards in achievement, behaviour, and personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "deep knowledge" and "read, write and speak with confidence," with outcomes in national tests above the national average.
- Attendance is high, supported by "precise and effective" pastoral actions and an "insightful analysis" of attendance data.
- The curriculum is "broad and well-considered," with "very well sequenced" content that swiftly addresses any gaps in pupils' knowledge.
- Inclusion is strong, with "no barriers to learning" and "well-judged support" ensuring pupils with special educational needs reach high standards.
- Personal development is prioritised through a "broad programme to develop pupils’ cultural capital" and a character curriculum that empowers pupils.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should support staff to implement the early years curriculum as intended, ensuring children have opportunities to "develop, practise and learn new knowledge across all aspects of the curriculum."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 82% |
| 2024/25 | 85% |
| 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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