Darton Academy
93%
Capacity
1,114
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Darton Academy
Darton Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,114 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated Darton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Joseph Spencer, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.37 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.9. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 711th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 11 in Barnsley.
Darton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 365 applications for 190 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 167 were first-preference applications.
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 Darton Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Football, Netball, Rugby and 4 more, as well as clubs including Model UN, Science Club, Choir, DofE and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.0%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Darton 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Ballfield Lane, Barnsley, Barnsley, S75 5EF |
| Headteacher | Joseph Spencer |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,114 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,114 / 1,200 (93% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 28 Mar 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.37)
711th of 3,141
Nationally
59th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
1st of 11
In Barnsley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed190
365
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
167 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Darton 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
Ballfield Lane, Barnsley
Barnsley, S75 5EF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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