Joseph Locke Primary School
Barnsley, S70 6JL · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
15th 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 — 9.0/10 against 2,274 of them, against 7.8/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Joseph Locke Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with a national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Crafts, Computing Club, Glee Club, Barnsley FC Football, Basketball, Streetdance, Multi-Skills, and Football. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 449 pupils against a stated capacity of 444. 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 various sports and clubs scheduled to ensure broad participation?
What Ofsted said about Joseph Locke Primary School
Overview
Joseph Locke Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment where positive relationships are central. Pupils are proud of their leadership roles and feel safe, supported by a well-designed curriculum that prioritises early reading and language development.
Strengths
- Phonics is taught consistently well, with staff skilled at holding pupils’ interest and swiftly identifying knowledge gaps.
- The teaching of mathematics is a strength, ensuring pupils have a firm understanding of concepts before moving on.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported, achieving well through effective adaptations and interventions.
- Art and design is taught well, with pupils producing high-standard work and appraising their own creations.
- Attendance has improved due to supportive strategies, and governors provide effective challenge and support.
Areas to improve
- The school’s reading curriculum beyond phonics is not rigorous enough, requiring a comprehensive approach to improve fluency and comprehension.
Safeguarding
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 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 48% |
| 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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