Lift Meadstead
Barnsley, S71 4JS · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
20th 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 — 8.2/10 against 1,515 of them, against 6.8/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 62% | 3.70 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 38% | 3.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lift Meadstead 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%. 14.0% 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 (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join dance, yoga, choir, eco warriors, forest school, computing, and design clubs, as well as athletics. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 215 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 do not reach the expected standard? How are the various clubs scheduled to ensure all interested pupils can participate?
What Ofsted said about Lift Meadstead
Overview
Meadstead Primary Academy is described as a "safe and welcoming hub of the community" where "relationships between staff and pupils are strong." The report highlights that the school has "rapidly improved" under new leadership, with a "well designed" curriculum that prepares pupils effectively for secondary school and life in modern Britain.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with staff possessing "strong subject knowledge" who provide frequent opportunities for pupils to discuss ideas.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "well supported," with the school working closely with families to quickly identify needs.
- Reading instruction is effective; pupils "quickly learn to read" through well-trained staff and frequent practice, with most pupils enjoying reading.
- Early years provision offers a "positive start," with clear routines helping children settle and a curriculum that "prepares children for Year 1."
- Leaders have developed a "positive and open culture," ensuring staff feel "valued as professionals" and benefit from high-quality training.
Areas to improve
- Lesson activities must consistently help pupils "make meaningful connections" to secure new learning, as some currently do not link effectively to prior knowledge.
- In the early years, some activities lack a "clear enough purpose" and are not well matched to children’s age and stage of development, limiting learning effectiveness.
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 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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