The Forest Academy
Barnsley, S70 3NG · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
26th 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 — 5.5/10 against 1,585 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| 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.
The Forest Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Film Club, Young Voices, and Baking, alongside sports including Girls Football, Archery, and Table Tennis. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 346 pupils against a stated capacity of 253. 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 manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What specific support is provided for pupils who do not reach the higher standard in core subjects? How is the breakfast club integrated into the morning routine for families?
What Ofsted said about The Forest Academy
Overview
The Forest Academy is described as a "community of excellence and achievement" where the ethos of care and compassion ensures "nobody is left behind." Leaders and staff demonstrate a "relentless commitment" to providing an ambitious curriculum that significantly improves pupils' life chances and academic outcomes.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "extremely ambitious" and "very carefully designed," with knowledge building up year on year to produce work of "exceptional quality."
- Pupils become "fluent, confident and engaged readers" through expert phonics teaching and a school-wide culture that fosters a "love of reading."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "skilfully supported" to successfully access the same curriculum as their peers.
- Personal development is a "golden thread" through daily life, with pupils behaving with "maturity and sensitivity" and undertaking leadership roles.
- Early years staff have a "deep and rich knowledge" of the curriculum, ensuring children become "focused, resilient and independent learners."
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being "diligent and swift" in reporting concerns and leaders maintaining positive relationships with families to identify barriers to learning.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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