Netherwood Academy
79%
Capacity
1,271
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About Netherwood Academy
Netherwood Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,271 pupils on roll, operating at 79% capacity.
Ofsted has rated Netherwood Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Andrew Downing, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.41 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 42.6. Additionally, ranked 2471st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 7th out of 11 in Barnsley.
Netherwood Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 323 applications for 259 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 211 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 Netherwood Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Dining Hall, Art Studios, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Astro Turf, Library, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Dance, Cross Country, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Model UN, Newspaper, Book Club and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 36.1%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Netherwood 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 | Dove Valley Way, Barnsley, Barnsley, S73 8FE |
| Headteacher | Andrew Downing |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,271 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 36.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,271 / 1,600 (79% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Mar 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 30 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.41)
2471st of 3,141
Nationally
227th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
7th 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.
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed259
323
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
211 families put this school as their 1st choice (65% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Netherwood 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
Dove Valley Way, Barnsley
Barnsley, S73 8FE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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