Upperwood Academy
Barnsley, S73 9NL · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
51st 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 — 4.2/10 against 2,405 of them, against 3.7/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Upperwood Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 298 pupils against a stated capacity of 252. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the higher standard in maths? How does the school ensure the breakfast club remains accessible for all families?
What Ofsted said about Upperwood Academy
Overview
Upperwood Academy has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The report describes a school where pupils are “safe and happy,” benefiting from “warm and respectful” relationships with staff and a “well thought through” curriculum. Leaders have successfully established consistent values and routines, ensuring pupils understand expectations for behaviour and achievement.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy school, with bullying described as “extremely rare” due to “swift and effective action” by staff.
- The renewed curriculum is “ambitious,” helping pupils gain necessary knowledge and skills for their next stage.
- The early years provision offers a “great start,” with highly trained staff skilfully developing communication and independence.
- Staff morale is “very high,” supported by a clear commitment from the multi-academy trust and effective governance.
- Pupils develop “tolerance and respect for others” through a well-designed personal, social and health education programme.
Areas to improve
- The school should ensure that lesson activities and adaptations for pupils with special educational needs have a “clear learning intention” so that all pupils secure the intended knowledge and skills.
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 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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