Outwood Academy Carlton
103%
Capacity
1,130
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Outwood Academy Carlton
Outwood Academy Carlton is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,130 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 1,100 places).
Ofsted has rated Outwood Academy Carlton "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul Taylor, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.25 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.7. Additionally, ranked 2114th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 5th out of 11 in Barnsley.
Outwood Academy Carlton is a popular choice with families — it received 395 applications for 207 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 210 were first-preference applications.
Outwood Academy Carlton parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 60% recommending the school (96 responses).
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 Outwood Academy Carlton include Science Labs, Sports Hall, Astro Turf, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and 3 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Orchestra, Newspaper, Choir and 3 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, Outwood Academy Carlton 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 | Royston Lane, Barnsley, Barnsley, S71 3EW |
| Headteacher | Paul Taylor |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,130 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 36.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,130 / 1,100 (103% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
16 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (16 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 3 Mar 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.25)
2114th of 3,141
Nationally
196th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
5th 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.
Ofsted Parent View
96 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed207
395
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
210 families put this school as their 1st choice (53% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outwood Academy Carlton
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
Royston Lane, Barnsley
Barnsley, S71 3EW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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