St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Barnsley
Barnsley, S75 2DF · Barnsley · primary school
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63rd 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 the 3,930 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 2.4/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 3.0 · 29 | 25% | 0.73 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Barnsley overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 3.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 208 pupils against a stated capacity of 226. 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 are below the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap between its results and the national median?
What Ofsted said about St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Barnsley
Overview
This inspection found a school where staff and pupils “glow with pride” and enjoy “excellent relationships.” Leaders have created an “ambitious and bespoke” curriculum that ensures pupils make good progress, with particular strength in reading and personal development. The report highlights a culture of inclusion and high expectations, noting that pupils are “exceptionally well prepared for life in modern Britain.”
Strengths
- Pupils display “exemplary” behaviour and are “exceptionally kind and caring towards each other.”
- Reading is “at the heart of the curriculum,” with a “well-structured approach” to phonics helping pupils catch up quickly if they struggle.
- Teachers are “knowledgeable” and use detailed planning to ensure learning “builds well over time.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive “timely and precise support” with clear plans.
- Personal development is “deeply rooted in the culture,” with pupils modelling tolerance and understanding fundamental British values.
Areas to improve
- The school should develop summative assessment at the end of learning sequences to help teachers identify gaps in pupil knowledge.
- In some subjects, the school must improve ways for pupils to reason and apply their knowledge, as this is not yet as secure as their learning of key facts.
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 | 67% |
| 2023/24 | 80% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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