Horizon Community College
96%
Capacity
1,916
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Horizon Community College
Horizon Community College is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,916 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 2,000 places).
Ofsted has rated Horizon Community College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Claire Huddart, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.07 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.8. Additionally, ranked 1684th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 11 in Barnsley.
Horizon Community College is a popular choice with families — it received 752 applications for 389 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 290 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Horizon Community College include Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cricket, Hockey, Basketball and 4 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Eco Club, Chess, DofE and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 27.6%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Horizon Community College 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 | Dodworth Road, Barnsley, Barnsley, S70 6PD |
| Headteacher | Claire Huddart |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,916 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 27.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,916 / 2,000 (96% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
5 Oct 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (5 Oct 2023): School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next
Source: Ofsted, 8 Sept 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.07)
1684th of 3,141
Nationally
153rd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
3rd of 11
In Barnsley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed389
752
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
290 families put this school as their 1st choice (39% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horizon Community College
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
Dodworth Road, Barnsley
Barnsley, S70 6PD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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