The Mill Academy
Barnsley, S70 5EP · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
49th 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 — 5.0/10 against 1,602 of them, against 4.0/10 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 | 63.0 · 46 | 40% | 1.85 |
| 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.
The Mill Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 63.0% 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 December 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Lego, Reading Ambassadors, Play Leaders, Wellbeing Ambassadors, Curriculum Ambassadors and Pupil Parliament clubs. Sports include swimming, cross country, netball, hockey, boccia and basketball, alongside arts and crafts. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 211 pupils against a stated capacity of 220. 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 to move from the expected to the higher standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes for the majority of Year 6 pupils? How does the school manage the transition for children joining from other areas?
What Ofsted said about The Mill Academy
Overview
The Mill Academy continues to be a good school, providing a happy and safe environment where pupils uphold high behavioural expectations. Leaders have established clear routines and a life-skills curriculum that supports pupils’ personal development, ensuring they feel respected and secure.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from consistent behaviour policies based on three rights, with fair consequences and effective support for those displaying challenging behaviour.
- Early years and key stage 1 pupils receive daily phonics teaching with tailored support, including one-to-one tutoring, ensuring they keep pace with the programme.
- Mathematics teaching is well adapted to pupil needs, using fast recall sessions and specific support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Leaders have developed a comprehensive relationships, sex and health education curriculum, supported by high-quality resources and initiatives like Mental Health Day.
- The trust and local governing body offer appropriate support and challenge to school leaders.
Areas to improve
- Some subjects in the wider curriculum lack sufficient planning, specifically failing to identify the small steps of learning needed to meet end points.
- Leaders do not yet have a robust procedure for checking what pupils know and remember across the wider curriculum, relying on discussions rather than specific evidence of progress.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring staff receive regular training and using a tiered approach to involve external agencies when necessary.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 56% |
| 2023/24 | 47% |
| 2024/25 | 63% |
| 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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