Gooseacre Primary Academy
Rotherham, S63 0NU · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
40th 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 1,620 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 62% | 3.86 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 38% | 1.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Gooseacre Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 378 pupils against a stated capacity of 268. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What support structures are in place for pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? How does the school ensure equitable access to extracurricular opportunities for all students?
What Ofsted said about Gooseacre Primary Academy
Overview
Gooseacre Primary Academy is described as a "warm and welcoming school" where pupils are "polite, courteous and committed learners." The inspection found that the school provides a high-quality education with an "ambitious, broad and exciting curriculum" that challenges pupils and supports their personal development.
Strengths
- Pupils conduct themselves well, with "positive relationships" ensuring they feel safe and bullying is "very rare."
- The curriculum is "highly ambitious" and rich in vocabulary, leading to improved outcomes in national tests.
- Reading is a "high priority," with teachers accurately identifying gaps in phonic knowledge so most pupils become "fluent readers by the end of key stage 1."
- The needs of pupils with SEND are "quickly identified," with teachers making necessary adaptations to ensure the curriculum is "fully accessible."
- Children "thrive in the early years," where skilled practitioners establish positive routines and build independence.
Areas to improve
- The school must refine its strategies to reduce "persistent absence" for some groups of pupils, as current approaches are not reducing it sufficiently.
- Pupils in the early stages of learning to write are sometimes "moved on too quickly" before fully understanding spelling and grammar rules, leading to incorrect punctuation.
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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