Birley Spa Primary Academy
Sheffield, S12 4QE · Sheffield · primary school
Check the area around this school
79th of 107 primary schools in Sheffield we can score, 132 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 — 5.9/10 against 1,116 of them, against 4.6/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Birley Spa Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in February 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access clubs including playdough, sewing, Lego, crafts, computing, and baking, alongside athletics, dance, and football skills. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 291 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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 bridge the gap to the national median in literacy and maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Birley Spa Primary Academy
Overview
Birley Spa Primary Academy is described as a "positive and supportive place to learn" where pupils enjoy strong relationships and bullying is rare. The inspection judged overall effectiveness as "Requires improvement," primarily due to inconsistencies in curriculum planning and behaviour management, though personal development and early years provision were rated "Good."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "positive relationships" and a "clear sense of right and wrong," with most behaving well and enjoying school.
- The school prioritises well-being, helping pupils become "confident and resilient" through activities like yoga therapy and residential trips.
- Early years provision is "Good," with children settling quickly into routines and showing "positive attitudes to their learning."
- Reading is taught effectively from the early years, with a "clear phonics programme" ensuring most pupils become "fluent readers."
- Staff feel "valued" and supported by leaders who are "considerate of staff’s workload and well-being."
Areas to improve
- Medium-term plans for some subjects lack precise detail on essential knowledge, meaning teachers do not always teach what is intended and pupils miss key concepts.
- Opportunities for checking pupil understanding are missed in some lessons, leaving misconceptions unaddressed.
- There is inconsistency in applying the behaviour policy, resulting in some low-level disruptions not being addressed quickly enough.
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 | 41% |
| 2023/24 | 34% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of S12 4QE, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT