Laithes Primary School
Barnsley, S71 3AF · Barnsley · primary school
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13th 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 — 7.4/10 against 1,202 of them, against 5.9/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 92 | 35% | 3.20 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Laithes Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 8.0% 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 (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Lego Club, Board Game Club, and Laithes FC, with an after-school club also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 308 pupils against a stated capacity of 280. 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 available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How are the separate Ofsted areas currently graded?
What Ofsted said about Laithes Primary School
Overview
Laithes Primary School is described as an inclusive and ambitious community where "every child really does matter." Leaders have established a "carefully considered and ambitious curriculum" that ensures all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who are disadvantaged, achieve well. The school fosters strong relationships between staff, pupils, and families, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and prepared for the next stages of their education.
Strengths
- Leaders’ "ambitious approach" ensures robust monitoring of achievement, allowing staff to "respond swiftly to address any shortfalls in pupils' knowledge."
- Teaching is "consistently effective," characterised by "high expectations," strong subject knowledge, and a particular focus on promoting language and vocabulary.
- The early years provision is "highly effective," with a clear focus on language development and "warm, positive relationships" that help children feel secure.
- There is a "deeply embedded culture of ambition and care" for pupils with SEND, including a resourced provision ("The Hub") that delivers "highly effective support."
- Pupils are "articulate, confident communicators" who demonstrate "high levels of pride in their school" and a secure understanding of safety and British values.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should "sustain the upward trend in attendance" by continuing to analyse patterns closely and working with families to reduce persistent absence.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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