Barnsley Academy
102%
Capacity
915
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Barnsley Academy
Barnsley Academy is a state-funded Christian secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 915 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Barnsley Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Stephen Pitcher, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.39 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 43.0. Additionally, ranked 2434th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 6th out of 11 in Barnsley.
Barnsley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 374 applications for 174 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 149 were first-preference applications.
Barnsley Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 57% recommending the school (83 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Barnsley Academy include Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Swimming, Dance, Tennis and 6 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Model UN, Drama, Book Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 46.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Barnsley Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Christian |
| Address | Farm Road, Barnsley, Barnsley, S70 3DL |
| Headteacher | Stephen Pitcher |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 915 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 46.7% |
| School Capacity | 915 / 900 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Jan 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (15 Jan 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 11 Feb 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.39)
2434th of 3,141
Nationally
222nd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
6th of 11
In Barnsley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
83 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed174
374
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
149 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnsley Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Farm Road, Barnsley
Barnsley, S70 3DL
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Barnsley Academy!
Write a Review