Carlton Primary Academy
Barnsley, S71 3HF · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
35th 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 — 6.1/10 against 3,598 of them, against 5.9/10 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 | 64.0 · 49 | 40% | 1.97 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Carlton Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 64.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, matching the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 12.0% of pupils, compared with the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils attend a residential trip to Liverpool. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 317 pupils against a stated capacity of 332. 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 activities are included in the Liverpool residential trip?
What Ofsted said about Carlton Primary Academy
Overview
Leaders and staff have worked successfully to improve the school, creating an "ambitious culture" underpinned by the ‘Carlton Code’. The report describes a "caring and supportive environment" where pupils are "extremely polite and considerate" and engage well in their learning.
Strengths
- The early years provision is "highly effective," helping children make an "excellent start" with strong routines and confidence.
- Reading is a clear priority; the phonics programme is "effective," and pupils enjoy books they "love to read."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "achieve well" due to effective individual support plans.
- Staff are proud to work at the school and value the support provided for their workload and well-being.
- Governors and trustees provide "good support and challenge" for leaders, particularly regarding disadvantaged pupils.
Areas to improve
- In some foundation subjects, the focus on the most important knowledge is "less clear," meaning pupils are not always taught "precisely enough" about specific concepts.
- Leaders should ensure that the main ideas and knowledge are made clear in all subjects so pupils learn core content as well as they could.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," supported by a "strong culture," clear systems, and staff who know how to support vulnerable pupils.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 76% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 64% |
| 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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