Heather Garth Primary School Academy
Rotherham, S63 8ES · Barnsley · primary school
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55th 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 — 3.6/10 against 1,921 of them, against 3.3/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 41% | 1.89 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.76 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 26% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Heather Garth Primary School Academy 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%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access swimming, dance, gymnastics, and athletics, with trips to Robinwood Activity Centre. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 221 pupils against a stated capacity of 200. 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 who do not reach the higher standard in maths? How has the teaching approach changed since the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Heather Garth Primary School Academy
Overview
Heather Garth Primary School Academy is described as a welcoming community where pupils are “happy and safe” and feel cared for. Leaders provide a “good education” with high expectations, fostering respectful behaviour and a strong culture of reading. However, the report notes that the curriculum is not yet sufficiently well planned in all subjects, particularly in the early years, leading to the application of transitional arrangements.
Strengths
- Pupils are “friendly, respectful and polite,” with bullying being rare and staff viewed as “approachable, helpful and kind.”
- The curriculum is “well-planned” with a clear vision for long-term knowledge retention, supported by knowledgeable subject leaders.
- Teachers effectively check understanding during lessons, using strategies like “daily practice” in mathematics and modelling vocabulary.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are identified early and achieve well against challenging targets through consistent support.
- Leaders have implemented a consistent phonics scheme with matched books, ensuring gaps in knowledge are quickly addressed.
Areas to improve
- In the early years, leaders must define what children need to know in each curriculum area and identify key vocabulary to ensure consistent expectations.
- Curriculum planning in some subjects, such as computing and music, needs to be broken down into smaller, sequenced steps so teachers are clear on essential learning.
- Assessment procedures in wider curriculum subjects require development to ensure they are linked to crucial knowledge and consistently implemented.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust policies, well-trained staff, and quick identification of vulnerable pupils to ensure they receive necessary help.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 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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