Which is the best secondary school in Barnsley?

By 2024/25 exam results alone, Darton Academy ranks first of 8 ranked secondary schools in Barnsley, with an average Attainment 8 score of 52.1. Results reflect each school's cohort as well as its teaching, so treat the ranking as a starting point rather than a verdict.

How are schools in Barnsley ranked?

Secondary schools are ranked by their average Attainment 8 score in 2024/25, from the Department for Education's published results; Progress 8 is suspended nationally, so it cannot be used. Ofsted judgements are never part of the ranking, because inspections from different eras cannot fairly be compared, and special and independent schools are not ranked because their published figures do not compare fairly.

How many secondary schools are ranked in Barnsley?

8 secondary schools in Barnsley published 2024/25 results and are ranked here. Schools without published results, special schools and independent schools are listed on the area's own page instead.

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Secondary school rankings

Secondary schools in Barnsley, ranked

The 8 secondary schools here are ranked by their average Attainment 8 score in 2024/25, from the Department for Education's published results. Progress 8 is suspended nationally for 2024/25 and 2025/26, so it cannot be used.

Exam results are one part of the picture, and rankings never include Ofsted judgements: inspections from different eras cannot fairly be compared. Special schools and independent schools are not ranked, because their published figures do not compare fairly either. Each school's own page has its inspection history and context.

1
Darton Academy
Academy sponsor led

65%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

52.1

Attainment 8
2
Horizon Community College
Academy converter

48%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

49.8

Attainment 8
3
Kirk Balk Academy
Academy sponsor led

55%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

46.0

Attainment 8
4
Barnsley Academy
Academy sponsor led

44%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

45.1

Attainment 8
5
Netherwood Academy
Academy sponsor led

39%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

42.6

Attainment 8
6
Outwood Academy Shafton
Academy sponsor led

45%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

42.0

Attainment 8
7
Outwood Academy Carlton
Academy sponsor led

40%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

41.5

Attainment 8
8
Holy Trinity Catholic and Church of England School
Academy sponsor led

20%

grade 5+ in Eng and maths

37.5

Attainment 8

Common questions

Which is the best secondary school in Barnsley?: By 2024/25 exam results alone, Darton Academy ranks first of 8 ranked secondary schools in Barnsley, with an average Attainment 8 score of 52.1. Results reflect each school's cohort as well as its teaching, so treat the ranking as a starting point rather than a verdict.
How are schools in Barnsley ranked?: Secondary schools are ranked by their average Attainment 8 score in 2024/25, from the Department for Education's published results; Progress 8 is suspended nationally, so it cannot be used. Ofsted judgements are never part of the ranking, because inspections from different eras cannot fairly be compared, and special and independent schools are not ranked because their published figures do not compare fairly.
How many secondary schools are ranked in Barnsley?: 8 secondary schools in Barnsley published 2024/25 results and are ranked here. Schools without published results, special schools and independent schools are listed on the area's own page instead.

Exam results come from the Department for Education's school performance service and cover the 2024/25 academic year. Schools without published results for that year are not listed.