Ward Green Primary School
Barnsley, S70 5HJ · Barnsley · primary school
Check the area around this school
41st 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 — 6.0/10 against 2,470 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 62% | 2.85 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 38% | 2.19 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ward Green Primary School 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%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.0 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 357 pupils against a stated capacity of 367. 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 close to the expected standard in maths? What specific trips are planned for the next term?
What Ofsted said about Ward Green Primary School
Overview
Ward Green Primary School is described as a place where pupils feel "listened to and valued" within a "warm and welcoming environment." The inspection highlights significant recent improvements in academic achievement and behaviour, driven by high expectations from leaders. The school provides an "exceptional" personal development offer, fostering independence and strong relationships among pupils.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "clear and ambitious," ensuring pupils build knowledge and skills from Nursery through to Year 6.
- Personal development is praised as "exceptional," with pupils benefiting from the ‘pupil pledge’ programme and opportunities like the ‘smart council’ to influence school life.
- Staff create a "calm and consistent" learning environment where pupils are respectful and develop a "broad, deep and meaningful sense of the wider world."
- The phonics curriculum is "well-structured" and taught with precision, with staff quickly identifying and supporting pupils who need help with reading.
- Early years provision is "well planned and sequenced," with a strong focus on helping children use "ambitious vocabulary."
Areas to improve
- Agreed teaching strategies are not always used consistently across the curriculum, leading to "missed opportunities" for pupils to deepen their knowledge.
- Some pupils needing reading support are asked to write and spell words they find too difficult, preventing them from being as successful as they could be in writing.
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 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 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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