Athersley South Primary School
Wakefield Road, Smithies, Barnsley, S71 3TPOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Athersley South Primary School is a primary school in Barnsley for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 95 schools in Barnsley. It ranks 23rd of 58 primary schools in Barnsley. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2018.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 October 2018, report published 18 November 2018
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 15 October 2024
This is a friendly and happy school. Pupils love coming here. The school's vision is 'to ensure that every child is successful, enjoys learning and develops their talents'. Staff are determined to do the best for pupils. Pupils are safe and understand how to stay safe. They know they can always share concerns with an adult in school. Staff place a strong emphasis on pupils' well-being. For example, pupils enjoy booking time with the school dog. They say a 'dog-hug' makes them feel better. Staff have high expectations of pupils. The school offers a wide and varied curriculum. Pupils achieve well. They enjoy strong and positive relationships with staff. Pupils are kind and polite. They strive to achieve a 'success stone' for their house team. They look forward to seeing which team wins the prize each half term. Pupils are keen to take on new responsibilities. For instance, they become librarians and help Reception children at lunchtime. Year 6 'Team Captains' model the school's values well. The school offers a wide range of clubs and activities. These include creative activities such as art and singing. Older pupils attend a secondary school transition club to support them in readiness for Year 7. Parents speak positively about the school. All parents who responded to the Ofsted Parent View survey said they would recommend the school.
What the school should improve
- The school's initiatives to improve pupils' attendance are not reducing rates of absence swiftly enough. Some pupils' low attendance means that they miss out on important learning and wider aspects of school life. The school should now carry out further work with pupils and families to further improve attendance.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
41 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
306 pupils on roll, with places for 280
Schools near Athersley South Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laithes Primary School | 0.2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | 68% met the expected standard |
| Athersley North Primary School | 0.6 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | 49% met the expected standard |
| Wilthorpe Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 71% met the expected standard |
| Burton Road Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 76% met the expected standard |
| Lift St Helen's | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 62% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- EVERY CHILD MATTERS ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Lynsey Whalley
- Phone
- 01226284223
- Address
- Wakefield Road, Smithies, Barnsley, S71 3TP
- Local authority
- Barnsley
- URN
- 147717
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.