Outwood Academy Shafton
102%
Capacity
1,380
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Outwood Academy Shafton
Outwood Academy Shafton is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,380 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,350 places).
Ofsted has rated Outwood Academy Shafton "Good", the school is led by headteacher Alison McQueen, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.44 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.7. Additionally, ranked 2523rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 11 in Barnsley.
Outwood Academy Shafton is a popular choice with families — it received 357 applications for 260 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 273 were first-preference applications.
Outwood Academy Shafton parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 82% recommending the school (114 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 Shafton include Theatre, Tennis Courts, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Dining Hall, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Athletics, Swimming, Cricket and 4 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Choir, Film Club, Newspaper and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 35.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Outwood Academy Shafton 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 | Engine Lane, Barnsley, Barnsley, S72 8RE |
| Headteacher | Alison McQueen |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,380 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 35.7% |
| School Capacity | 1,380 / 1,350 (102% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 May 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jun 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.44)
2523rd of 3,141
Nationally
232nd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
8th 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
114 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed260
357
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
273 families put this school as their 1st choice (76% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outwood Academy Shafton
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
Engine Lane, Barnsley
Barnsley, S72 8RE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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