Bardsey Primary Academy

About Bardsey Primary Academy

Bardsey Primary Academy’s headline metrics stand out clearly against the Leeds local authority average for primary schools. While the LA average for pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined sits at 61%, Bardsey achieves a notably higher 75%. This places the school in the top 25% nationally for that measure, ranked 37th out of 204 primary schools in Leeds. The school is also heavily oversubscribed: for 30 places in the 2025/26 intake, there were 100 total applications and 39 first-preference applications, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.33. That level of demand suggests local families see the school as a strong option. Bardsey is a state primary for mixed genders aged 5 to 11, with no religious character, and is led by headteacher Graham Parry. It has a relatively small roll of 202 pupils against a capacity of 210, and just 4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the national average.

Academically, the school’s KS2 results from 2023/24 show strong performance across the core subjects. In reading, 92% of pupils met the expected standard and 33% reached the higher standard, with an average scaled score of 107. Maths saw similar strength: 92% at expected and 42% at the higher standard, again with an average score of 107. Writing was slightly lower, with 83% at expected and 13% at the higher standard. The combined expected standard in all three subjects was 75%, as noted. The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, in December 2017, rated it Good overall, with Good for leadership and management. That was an improvement from its previous inspection in 2010, which had rated it Requires Improvement. The inspection report is available online, though no breakdown for quality of education, behaviour or personal development was published in the data.

The school offers a range of facilities including an outdoor playground, library, playing fields, gymnasium and a chapel. Sports provision covers football, athletics, gymnastics and cross country, while extracurricular clubs include film club, coding, art club and choir. SEND support is available for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and other difficulties or disabilities. With 202 pupils and a capacity of 210, the school is not at full capacity, but its oversubscription in admissions suggests it is a popular choice. Bardsey Primary Academy will suit families who prioritise strong academic outcomes in a smaller school setting, and who are comfortable with a non-religious, state-funded environment in the Leeds area.

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