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.

Barnsley has 77 primary schools, of which 6 (8%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and a further 66 rated Good — 94% of primary schools in Barnsley are rated Good or Outstanding overall. Kings Oak Primary currently leads the local rankings on our composite SNM Score.

Application deadlines in Barnsley follow the national calendar: 31 October for Year 7 secondary entry and 15 January for Reception primary entry. Offers go out on 1 March and 16 April respectively.

77
Total schools
6
Outstanding
8%
Outstanding rate
67.5%
Avg KS2 SATs
38.4
Avg GCSE A8
All schools Primary Secondary
Rank School Ofsted SNM Score
🥇 Kings Oak Primary
Primary
 Outstanding 95 View school
🥈 Hunningley Primary Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 91 View school
🥉 Gawber Primary School
Primary
 Outstanding 88 View school
4. Bank End Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 86 View school
5. Summerfields Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 84 View school
6. Thurgoland Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
Primary
 Good 84 View school
7. Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Primary
 Good 83 View school
8. The Forest Academy
Primary
 Outstanding 83 View school
9. Birdwell Primary School
Primary
 Good 83 View school
10. Silkstone Common Junior and Infant School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
11. Silkstone Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
12. Cawthorne Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Primary
 Good 82 View school
13. Tankersley St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School
Primary
 Good 81 View school
14. Oakwell Rise Primary Academy
Primary
 Good 81 View school
15. Springvale Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
16. St Helen's Catholic Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
17. Churchfield Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
18. Greenfield Primary School
Primary
 Good 80 View school
19. Oxspring Primary School
Primary
 Good 79 View school
20. Burton Road Primary School
Primary
 Good 78 View school

Related lists for Barnsley

All schools in BarnsleyPrimary & secondary combined Secondary schools in BarnsleyYear 7 onwards Outstanding schools in Barnsley6 schools rated Outstanding

See full data for any school in Barnsley

Catchment distances, exam trends, SEN data, attendance, and more — all in one place.

Search schools in Barnsley

Frequently asked questions

How many primary schools are there in Barnsley?
There are 77 primary schools in Barnsley, of which 6 (8%) 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 Kings Oak Primary. 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?
8% of primary schools in Barnsley are rated Outstanding and 86% 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.