Cawthorne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Barnsley, S75 4HB · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
6th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 998 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.7/10 among them, against 9.4/10 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 | 83.0 · 92 | 40% | 3.67 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 26.0 · 96 | 25% | 2.41 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cawthorne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 83.0% 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 26.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.7 out of 10 among them, against 9.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the School Council, play football or rugby, take part in dance, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 160 pupils against a stated capacity of 140. 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
Since the similar-intake comparison shows a lower score than the national average, what specific strategies are used to support pupils in reaching higher standards? How does the school manage class sizes when the total roll exceeds the designated place count?
What Ofsted said about Cawthorne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Overview
The report describes a school where "all pupils and staff are proud to be part of this school" and where "highly positive relationships exist between pupils, staff and parents." Inspectors found that the school has "high expectations of all pupils," resulting in "exemplary" behaviour and a "strong culture of safeguarding." The institution is characterised as "supportive," "nurturing" and "caring," with a curriculum that is "broad and ambitious."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour because they have "ownership" of the policy, having helped reshape it.
- The school prioritises reading, ensuring pupils "quickly become competent, fluent readers" through early phonics and a successful "reading buddies" system.
- Personal development is central, with pupils learning character traits like "resilience and confidence" and developing "tolerance of different faiths."
- Leaders and governors have a "clear vision," fostering a "strong sense of collegiality and teamwork" where staff feel "appreciated."
- Early years provision is strong, with children getting off to a "strong start" through "carefully thought-out activities."
Areas to improve
- The school must address "inconsistencies in the implementation of the curriculums in some subjects."
- Staff need support to ensure tasks are "precisely matched to the key knowledge that they need to learn," as current tasks in some areas do not enable pupils to meet curriculum aims.
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 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 79% |
| 2024/25 | 83% |
| 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 S75 4HB, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT