Best Primary Schools in Barnsley 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 77 schools across Barnsley. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

19%

Outstanding rate

67.5%

Avg KS2 SATs

38.4

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Mapplewell Primary School Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
🥈	Silkstone Common Junior and Infant School Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
🥉	Thurgoland Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School Primary	Outstanding	78	View school
4.	Cawthorne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Primary	Outstanding	77	View school
5.	Penistone St John's Voluntary Aided Primary School Primary	Outstanding	74	View school
6.	Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School Primary	Outstanding	74	View school
7.	Gawber Primary School Primary	Outstanding	73	View school
8.	Millhouse Primary School Primary	Good	72	View school
9.	High View Primary Learning Centre Primary	Outstanding	71	View school
10.	Birdwell Primary School Primary	Good	71	View school
11.	Springvale Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
12.	Hoyland Common Primary School Primary	Outstanding	70	View school
13.	Oxspring Primary School Primary	Good	70	View school
14.	Cherry Dale Primary School Primary	Outstanding	68	View school
15.	Tankersley St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School Primary	Good	68	View school
16.	Outwood Primary Academy Darfield Primary	Good	68	View school
17.	Jump Primary School Primary	Outstanding	67	View school
18.	Bank End Primary Academy Primary	Good	67	View school
19.	Parkside Primary Academy Primary	Good	66	View school
20.	Thurlstone Primary School Primary	Outstanding	66	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Barnsley?

There are 77 primary schools in Barnsley, of which 15 (19%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Barnsley?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Barnsley is Mapplewell Primary School. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Barnsley?

Primary and secondary school applications in Barnsley are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Barnsley council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Barnsley?

19% of primary schools in Barnsley are rated Outstanding and 57% are rated Good. 76% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.