Kirk Balk Academy
106%
Capacity
1,327
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Kirk Balk Academy
Kirk Balk Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,327 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (106% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Kirk Balk Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Hayley Craddock, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.13 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.8. Additionally, ranked 1824th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 11 in Barnsley.
Kirk Balk Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 380 applications for 264 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 257 were first-preference applications.
Kirk Balk Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 68% recommending the school (107 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Kirk Balk Academy include Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Theatre, Library, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Hockey, Athletics, Martial Arts and 5 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Art Club, Gardening, Newspaper and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 28.7%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Kirk Balk 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 | West Street, Barnsley, Barnsley, S74 9HX |
| Headteacher | Hayley Craddock |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,327 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 28.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,327 / 1,250 (106% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
4 Jun 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (4 Jun 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 27 Feb 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.13)
1824th of 3,141
Nationally
165th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
4th 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.
Ofsted Parent View
107 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
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed264
380
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
257 families put this school as their 1st choice (68% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirk Balk 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
West Street, Barnsley
Barnsley, S74 9HX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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