Highgate Primary Academy

About Highgate Primary Academy

Highgate Primary Academy sits slightly above the Barnsley local authority average for Key Stage 2 outcomes, with 66% of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the LA average of 63%. That places the school 30th out of 70 primary schools in Barnsley, putting it in the top half of the local league table. The gap is modest but consistent, and it's worth noting that the school's performance is more mixed when you look at the higher standard: just 5% of pupils achieved the higher benchmark in all three subjects, which is below the national picture. In reading, 75% met the expected standard and 16% reached the higher level; in maths, 70% hit the expected mark and 14% the higher tier; writing saw 73% at expected and 9% at greater depth. Average scaled scores of 103 in reading and 102 in maths are solid without being exceptional.

The school's most recent graded Ofsted inspection, in 2013, rated it Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good. A subsequent ungraded inspection in 2022 confirmed the school remains Good. That's a clear improvement on its previous inspection in 2009, when overall effectiveness was Requires Improvement. The school has held a Good rating across both its recent inspections, and the 2022 visit found no reason to downgrade. With 356 pupils on roll against a capacity of 314, Highgate is oversubscribed: for 2025/26 entry, there were 90 applications for 35 places, with 34 first-preference offers made, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.57. That level of demand suggests the school is well-regarded locally, though it's not among the very top performers in the borough.

Facilities include an ICT suite, gymnasium, sports hall, dining hall, outdoor playground and a chapel, plus a nursery provision for three-year-olds. Sports on offer include cross country, athletics, tennis, gymnastics and netball, while clubs range from choir and book club to gardening. The school has a broad SEND offer, with provisions for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, physical disability and autistic spectrum disorder. With 38.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a community with above-average disadvantage, yet still manages to nudge above the LA average for core academic outcomes. This is a school that suits families looking for a solid, well-subscribed local primary with good facilities and a strong SEND framework, rather than one chasing the very highest academic accolades.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Highgate Primary Academy

Helpful Guides for Parents