Cherry Dale Primary School
Barnsley, S72 8AA · Barnsley · primary school
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32nd 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.0/10 against 2,066 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 62% | 2.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 38% | 2.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cherry Dale Primary School 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%. For the higher standard, 13.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Grassroots, Halloween Bingo Night, Christmas Family Bingo, and Christmas Craft Mornings. Trips include a Bees Visit to Local Florist, Year 6 NHS Careers Simulation Fayre, Meeting the Author Colin R Parsons, Team Visits to Houses, Year 3 and 4 London, Year 6 London, Residential Scarborough, and Teddy Bear's Picnic. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 326 pupils against a stated capacity of 322. 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
What specific support is provided for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How are the London trips and residential experiences integrated into the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Cherry Dale Primary School
Overview
Cherry Dale Primary School is described as a "warm and welcoming place to learn" where pupils are "unfailingly polite and respectful." The inspection highlights an "ambitious curriculum" that engages learners, resulting in "exemplary" behaviour and "outstanding" personal development. While the school maintains high standards across most areas, there are specific inconsistencies in the delivery of the mathematics curriculum.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour, with bullying being "rare" and students actively involved in creating the behaviour policy.
- Reading is a significant strength, supported by a "highly effective approach to teaching phonics" that ensures almost all pupils make "excellent progress."
- The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "securely identified and very well met" through precise individual targets.
- Personal development is rooted in a strong culture where pupils model "tolerance and respect" and are "exceptionally well prepared for life in modern, diverse Britain."
- Early years provision is "Good," with children becoming "confident, curious learners" through thoughtfully planned activities.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers lack confidence in implementing the new mathematics curriculum, meaning learning is not always focused on "essential knowledge and skills." The school must ensure all staff understand delivery requirements so pupils build a "secure understanding" of mathematics.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 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
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