Lift Shafton
Barnsley, S72 8QA · Barnsley · primary school
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46th 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 — 4.7/10 against 2,671 of them, against 4.2/10 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 | 59.0 · 37 | 40% | 1.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lift Shafton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 59.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in December 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 247 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in literacy? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in the coming years?
What Ofsted said about Lift Shafton
Overview
This ungraded inspection found that Shafton Primary Academy’s work “may have improved significantly across all areas” since the previous inspection, prompting a future graded inspection. The school is described as “friendly and inclusive,” where pupils demonstrate “kindness and respect” and achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils. Leaders maintain high expectations, ensuring a “broad and ambitious curriculum” that supports confident learning and strong attendance.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit “excellent attitudes towards their learning,” listening attentively and working hard because “they want to do well.”
- The curriculum is “well-structured,” with clear knowledge identification and “review lessons” that help pupils build on prior learning logically.
- Reading is a “high priority,” with a “culture of reading for pleasure” and effective phonics teaching that ensures struggling pupils “catch up rapidly.”
- SEND pupils receive “highly effective support” and learn alongside peers with “skilful adaptations” to meet their needs.
- Staff feel “very well supported by leaders,” who are mindful of workload and ensure time benefits pupils most.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
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 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 59% |
| 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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