Highgate Primary Academy
Rotherham, S63 9AS · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
37th 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 1,477 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 2.0 · 24 | 25% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Highgate Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 2.0% 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 (7.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 327 pupils against a stated capacity of 314. 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 last inspection was in 2022, what specific improvements have been made to support pupils reaching the higher standard? How does the school structure the transition from the breakfast club into the morning lesson?
What Ofsted said about Highgate Primary Academy
Overview
Highgate Primary Academy continues to be a good school, providing a "calm and orderly" environment where pupils are polite and respectful. Leaders have a strong understanding of the curriculum and have made significant improvements to support pupil learning and behaviour since the pandemic.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour, understanding the value to "be respectful" and knowing how to report concerns, which prevents bullying.
- The curriculum is clearly structured, with leaders identifying and addressing knowledge gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Teachers use effective assessment systems in reading and mathematics to quickly identify and address gaps in pupil knowledge.
- Early years provision is strong, with Nursery and Reception staff well-trained in phonics, preparing children effectively for reading.
- Leaders have improved processes for identifying pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they are taught the same knowledge as their peers.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure teachers use key curriculum concepts to revisit past learning, as pupils sometimes miss opportunities to build on prior knowledge.
- In foundation subjects, leaders need to train staff in pedagogical approaches that help pupils retain knowledge long-term, rather than using methods like copying texts that do not support acquisition.
- Leaders should involve parents and carers more meaningfully in the planning and review process for pupils with SEND.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff having a "wide and detailed knowledge" of risks and leaders taking a "zero-tolerance approach" to inappropriate behaviour.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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