Thurgoland Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
Sheffield, S35 7AL · Barnsley · primary school
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5th 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 — 9.6/10 against 3,755 of them, against 9.6/10 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 | 87.0 · 96 | 40% | 3.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 29.0 · 98 | 25% | 2.45 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thurgoland Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 29.0% achieved it, 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 (9.6 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Rocksteady lessons and the KS2 choir. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 202 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
How does the school support pupils who do not reach the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Thurgoland Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
Overview
This inspection judged the school as ‘Good’ across all categories, including the quality of education, behaviour, and leadership. The report describes a ‘kind school’ where pupils are ‘happy and confident’ and strive to ‘be their best self’. Leaders have established an ‘ambitious curriculum’ that prepares pupils well for their future, supported by strong staff relationships and effective safeguarding.
Strengths
- The reading programme is a ‘strength of the school’, with a ‘sophisticated and well-organised structure’ ensuring pupils learn to read quickly and confidently.
- Pupils demonstrate ‘enthusiasm in lessons’ and ‘recall with clarity’ what they have learned, aided by teachers’ careful checks and questioning.
- Relationships are ‘incredibly respectful’, creating a ‘calm and orderly’ environment where bullying is not tolerated and pupils feel safe.
- Leaders provide a ‘rich range of experiences’, including trips, clubs, and community involvement, helping pupils develop a strong sense of community.
- Staff are ‘expert and confident’, supported by leaders who take welfare seriously and ensure accurate self-evaluation through external reports.
Areas to improve
- In a ‘small number of subjects’, the knowledge pupils need is ‘not yet mapped out in as much detail’, meaning it is unclear what knowledge prepares them for subsequent stages.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with ‘thorough’ staff checks, clear reporting systems, and a curriculum adapted to ensure pupils understand local risks such as water safety.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 85% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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