Best Schools in Barnsley 2026 — Rankings, Ofsted Ratings & Reviews
Compare 90 schools and nurseries in Barnsley — Ofsted ratings, exam results & admissions data.
Barnsley is a metropolitan borough in South Yorkshire with 90 schools. The borough covers Barnsley town, Penistone, Wombwell, Hoyland and Darton. Penistone in the west of the borough is particularly popular with families seeking semi-rural settings alongside strong schools.
Barnsley at a Glance
Top Primary Schools in Barnsley
| School | Area | Ofsted | KS2 RWM % | Reading | Maths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoylandswaine Primary School | Barnsley | Inadequate | 100% | — | — |
| Thurgoland Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School | Barnsley | Good | 85% | — | — |
| Hunningley Primary Academy | Barnsley | Outstanding | 84% | — | — |
| Birdwell Primary School | Barnsley | Good | 82% | — | — |
| Silkstone Common Junior and Infant School | Barnsley | Good | 81% | — | — |
Top Secondary Schools in Barnsley
| School | Area | Ofsted | Progress 8 | 5+ GCSE % | EBacc % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darton Academy | Barnsley | Good | +0.37 | 73% | 40% |
| Penistone Grammar School | Barnsley | Good | +0.33 | 82% | 55% |
| Horizon Community College | Barnsley | Good | -0.07 | 62% | 56% |
| Kirk Balk Academy | Barnsley | Good | -0.13 | 71% | 40% |
| Outwood Academy Carlton | Barnsley | Good | -0.25 | 57% | 27% |
Admissions in Barnsley — Key Dates
Barnsley Council coordinates admissions following national timelines. Distance is the main criterion for most community schools. The borough has a growing number of academy schools.
Tip: Classpot shows the applications-to-places ratio for every school so you can gauge how competitive admissions are before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best schools in Barnsley?
Penistone Grammar School (despite the name, it is a comprehensive), Horizon Community College and Darton Academy are among the better-performing secondaries.
Is Penistone Grammar School selective?
No. Despite its historical name, Penistone Grammar School is a non-selective comprehensive school. It consistently achieves strong results and is popular with families in the west of the borough.
How many schools are in Barnsley?
Barnsley has 90 schools including primary, secondary and special schools across the borough.
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