Penistone Grammar School
102%
Capacity
1,922
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Penistone Grammar School
Penistone Grammar School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Barnsley community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,922 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,877 places).
Ofsted has rated Penistone Grammar School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Paul Crook, it falls under Barnsley local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.33 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 55.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 780th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 11 in Barnsley.
Penistone Grammar School is a popular choice with families — it received 504 applications for 315 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 307 were first-preference applications.
Penistone Grammar School has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.1/5 from 20 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Penistone Grammar School include Music Rooms, Theatre, Library, Art Studios, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, Dining Hall, Science Labs, ICT Suite, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Netball, Cross Country, Badminton and 5 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, DofE, Drama, Young Enterprise and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 14.0%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Barnsley, Penistone Grammar School 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Huddersfield Road, Sheffield, Barnsley, S36 7BX |
| Headteacher | Paul Crook |
| Local Authority | Barnsley |
| Number of Pupils | 1,922 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 14.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,922 / 1,877 (102% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Feb 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (3 Feb 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 6 Nov 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.33)
780th of 3,141
Nationally
66th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
2nd of 11
In Barnsley
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
44.6
'22/23
38.8
'23/24
39.2
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
SEN UnitSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed315
504
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
307 families put this school as their 1st choice (61% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Penistone Grammar School
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
Huddersfield Road, Sheffield
Barnsley, S36 7BX
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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