Penistone St John's Voluntary Aided Primary School
Sheffield, S36 6BS · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
19th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.8/10 against 4,265 of them, against 7.6/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Penistone St John's Voluntary Aided Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club, alongside participation in the Barnsley School Girls Football Partnership.
Getting in
The published school roll is 493 pupils against a stated capacity of 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 before and after school club support pupils during the transition to secondary education? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in maths?
What Ofsted said about Penistone St John's Voluntary Aided Primary School
Overview
The inspection judges the school’s overall effectiveness as ‘Good’, with ‘Outstanding’ ratings for personal development and early years provision. The report highlights a strong Christian ethos where kindness is central, creating a calm and orderly environment where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have implemented ambitious curriculum plans that are yielding positive results, particularly in mathematics and early years.
Strengths
- Personal development is described as ‘exceptional’, with pupils demonstrating resilience, ambition, and a clear understanding of British values and online safety.
- Early years provision is ‘Outstanding’, featuring a ‘highly ambitious curriculum’ and skilled staff who ensure all children, including those with special educational needs, thrive.
- Mathematics teaching is effective, with learning broken into ‘small steps’ that help pupils develop a ‘deep understanding’ and achieve well.
- Reading instruction is rigorous; ‘no stone is left unturned’ to ensure pupils learn to read, with precise interventions helping those who fall behind to catch up quickly.
- Behaviour is ‘exceptional’ in early years and ‘calm and orderly’ across the school, supported by high expectations and respectful relationships.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, the curriculum is still developing, and previous plans have left some pupils with ‘gaps in their knowledge and understanding’. Leaders must continue to embed the improved curriculum to maximise outcomes.
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 | 66% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of S36 6BS, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT