Netherwood Academy
Barnsley, S73 8FE · Barnsley · secondary school
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7th of 11 secondary schools in Barnsley we can score. 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 — 4.1/10 against 575 of them, against 2.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 38.3 · 33 | 30% | 0.99 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.41 · 20 | 25% | 0.50 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 41.0 · 24 | 10% | 0.24 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Netherwood Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 for 2023/24 was -0.41, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join chess, computing, choirs, bands, the school newspaper, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and Sports Leaders clubs. They participate in National School Sports Week, school plays, shows, assemblies, and residential visits. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,229 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,600. 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 to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median? How does the after-school club integrate with the wider curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Netherwood Academy
Overview
Netherwood Academy is described as a school that is “determined to improve the life chances of its pupils.” Leaders have made “significant changes” since the previous inspection, resulting in a “positive climate for learning” and improved outcomes. However, challenges remain regarding attendance and behaviour for some groups, with the report noting that “some pupils do not attend regularly” and suspension rates are “still high.”
Strengths
- Pupils “feel safe at this school” and have “good relationships with teachers.”
- The school has developed a “research-informed curriculum which is ambitious for all pupils.”
- There is a “consistent approach to teaching and learning,” with teachers correcting misconceptions regularly.
- Pupils are encouraged to develop a “love of reading” through initiatives like the ‘Astrea Reads’ programme.
- Leaders have “raised standards of behaviour and established a positive climate for learning.”
Areas to improve
- The school should develop “adaptive teaching methods” to ensure the most able pupils are challenged and support for pupils with SEND is precise.
- Systems to improve attendance must be “well embedded” to ensure disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND do not miss too much learning.
- The school should continue to “refine systems for managing behaviour” to reduce the number of suspensions, which remain high.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.6 |
| 2024/25 | 42.6 |
| 2025/26 | 41.0 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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