Dodworth St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy
Barnsley, S75 3JS · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
59th 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 — 6.2/10 against 3,042 of them, against 5.7/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dodworth St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 18.0% achieved this, 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 (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 104 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 to reach the higher standard in maths? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating from the 2024 inspection? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Dodworth St John the Baptist CofE Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes a school undergoing "recent and significant change" with new leadership. While leaders’ actions are "beginning to make a difference to pupils’ learning," many improvements are at a "very early stage." The inspection highlights that pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes, but inconsistencies in behaviour management and curriculum implementation remain.
Strengths
- Pupils "feel safe" and speak enthusiastically about the ‘Dodworth Pledge’, which promotes "kindness, respect and teamwork".
- In subjects such as physical education and music, the curriculum is "clearly sequenced and regularly checked," resulting in pupils who "learn more".
- Staff are beginning to provide "more appropriate support to pupils with SEND" through clearer identification systems.
- The new governing body and trustees are "starting to hold leaders to account more robustly."
Areas to improve
- Ensure phonics knowledge is assessed accurately so pupils are taught appropriate sounds and given matching books to practise reading.
- Establish systems for leaders to check how well all curriculum areas are implemented and to monitor what pupils know and can do.
- Ensure all staff apply behavioural expectations "fairly and consistently" to address incidents with a uniform approach.
- Strategically map the personal development curriculum to identify crucial knowledge and connect experiences to specific goals.
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 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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