Outwood Primary Academy Darfield
Barnsley, S73 9LT · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
8th 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 — 9.5/10 against 2,170 of them, against 8.6/10 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 | 76.0 · 80 | 40% | 3.19 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 24.0 · 95 | 25% | 2.38 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Outwood Primary Academy Darfield overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 76.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 24.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 221 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
Since the inspection was in 2024, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils who are working towards the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Outwood Primary Academy Darfield
Overview
Outwood Primary Academy Darfield is described as a school where classrooms and communal areas are “calm and harmonious”. The inspection found that the school provides a high-quality education with a well-planned curriculum that builds knowledge incrementally, resulting in positive outcomes for pupils.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “well planned and sequenced”, starting in the early years and building from simple to complex concepts, with subject leaders supported by the trust.
- Teachers present information clearly, check prior knowledge, and use “skilful questioning” to address gaps, particularly in mathematics which is noted as a strength.
- Early reading and phonics teaching has improved, with regular coaching for staff and personalised tutoring for those not keeping up.
- Pupils exhibit positive behaviour through an intrinsic curriculum that promotes being “safe, respectful and responsible”, supported by reward systems like ‘super swirls’.
- The early years provision is “designed well to teach essential knowledge”, with adaptations made to focus on oral language for children with communication needs.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure pupils consistently read books that match their phonic knowledge, as some current books do not accurately match the sounds pupils know.
- The school should take effective action to work with families to reduce persistent absence rates, as attendance remains below national expectation and some pupils are missing essential learning.
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 | 78% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 76% |
| 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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