Oakwell Rise Primary Academy
Barnsley, S70 1TS · Barnsley · primary school
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14th 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 — 7.2/10 against 1,577 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 | 81.0 · 89 | 40% | 3.57 |
| Ofsted | 91 | 35% | 3.19 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Oakwell Rise Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 81.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs such as Young Voices, Digital Ambassadors, and Eco Council, alongside sports like Panathlon and the BLPP Football Tournament. Arts activities include Musical Performances and the AIM High Workshop. Trips visit the National Space Centre, Jorvik Viking Centre, and The Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 236 pupils against a stated capacity of 318. 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 have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children joining in the current entry year? How are the new Ofsted area grades reflected in day-to-day teaching?
What Ofsted said about Oakwell Rise Primary Academy
Overview
Oakwell Rise Primary Academy is described as a school where leaders have made "highly effective decisions" about curriculum and teaching, resulting in a "nurturing and calm ethos." Pupils achieve consistently well, with disadvantaged pupils performing at least as well as their peers, and the school fosters a strong sense of community and inclusion.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve a "strong standard" in academic subjects, developing "detailed knowledge" and producing "high-quality work" with impressive writing skills.
- Reading is a particular strength, supported by "expert identification of need," a "vibrant library," and skilled phonics teaching that helps pupils, including those with English as an additional language, learn with "great confidence."
- Inclusion is embedded throughout the school, with "highly targeted help" ensuring pupils with special educational needs and disabilities make "rapid progress" alongside their peers.
- The early years provide an "immersive, language-rich environment" where staff expertly support learning through high-quality interactions and a carefully constructed curriculum.
- Leaders and governors work cohesively to serve the diverse community, creating a welcoming atmosphere where parents "highly value the work of the school."
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure "sustained improvement over time in the persistent absence" of key groups, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs.
- Leaders should ensure pupils develop "secure and detailed knowledge" across the personal development programme, particularly regarding other faiths and cultures, which currently "lacks depth."
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 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 81% |
| 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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