Outwood Academy Shafton
Barnsley, S72 8RE · Barnsley · secondary school
Check the area around this school
9th 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 — 4.9/10 against 573 of them, against 3.2/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 41.8 · 42 | 46% | 1.93 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.44 · 19 | 38% | 0.72 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.3 · 35 | 15% | 0.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Outwood Academy Shafton overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.44 in 2023/24, 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 (5.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,377 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,350. 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 support is available for pupils who are behind in English and maths? How does the school ensure consistent progress for students from similar backgrounds?
What Ofsted said about Outwood Academy Shafton
Overview
Outwood Academy Shafton is described as a “positive place to be” where the school is “building a culture of belonging and high aspiration.” The report states that “most pupils enjoy coming to school,” are “keen to learn,” and feel safe, with “calm and purposeful” classrooms.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious for all pupils” with “key knowledge... clearly identified,” leading to a “strong understanding” in many areas.
- “Reading is a priority,” with effective support ensuring struggling pupils make “good progress” and develop enjoyment through weekly activities.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are “well supported” and can “access the full curriculum” thanks to trained staff.
- The “personal development offer is a strength,” featuring a “wide range of extra-curricular activities” and a “well-considered careers offer.”
- Governance has “strong oversight,” and staff feel “well supported” by strategies that reduce workload.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must “consistently select effective activities to deliver the curriculum and to check learning,” as current choices sometimes fail to build knowledge effectively.
- The school should continue to “improve attendance, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable pupils,” as rates remain “too low” for disadvantaged students.
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 | 40.7 |
| 2024/25 | 42.0 |
| 2025/26 | 43.3 |
| 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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