Balby Central Primary Academy
Littlemoor Lane, Balby, Doncaster, DN4 0LLOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Balby Central Primary Academy is a primary school in Doncaster for ages 3 to 11. It is one of the 136 schools in Doncaster. It ranks 77th of 95 primary schools in Doncaster. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in January 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 24 January 2024, report published 18 March 2024
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 24 January 2024
Pupils are challenged to do their very best. Across the school there are high aspirations for all pupils. Pupils are happy and feel safe. Relationships between staff and pupils are positive. Pupils' outcomes in national assessments are below average. However, the school is taking effective action to improve and provide a broad, ambitious curriculum for all pupils. The impact of these changes is most evident in early reading and mathematics. Pupils strive to meet the school values of being ready, respectful and safe. They demonstrate these values in lessons and at breaktimes. Behaviour is calm and orderly. Pupils are polite and respectful to each other. The school rewards pupils for working well. Pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities within school. Members of the pupil 'safe squad' lead assemblies on staying safe and support their peers on the playground. Pupils know how to stay safe online. There are lots of opportunities to develop interests. For example, some pupils are part of a trust choir. In recognition of their high standards, they were chosen to sing nationally at the Royal Albert Hall. To contribute to their local community, pupils take part in the annual family picnic and sing in the local care home. The school provides many opportunities for pupils to develop their talents and interests. There are a variety of clubs such as crochet and martial arts club. Pupils enjoy taking part in residential visits. The school offers a range of opportunities including a parliamentary visit to London. In Year 4, pupils learn to work as a team, making campfires and building dens.
What the school should improve
- In the early years, during child-led learning time, children are left for too long without purposeful interaction from adults. This means that opportunities to extend and develop children's vocabulary and understanding can be missed. The school should ensure all adults understand when and how to intervene in children's independent play, to help move this on.
- Some pupils do not have the knowledge or stamina to write accurately and at length. The school should continue to embed the newly introduced programme for writing, ensuring that staff deliver this consistently well in all year groups.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
54 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
448 pupils on roll, with places for 480
Schools near Balby Central Primary Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 69% met the expected standard |
| Hexthorpe Primary School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | 21% met the expected standard |
| Atlas Academy | 0.5 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 39% met the expected standard |
| Sycamore Hall Preparatory School | 0.7 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| Woodfield Primary School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted judgements: Good | 63% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Academy converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE ROSE LEARNING TRUST
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Nursery classes
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mrs Emma Cooke
- Phone
- 01302321914
- Address
- Littlemoor Lane, Balby, Doncaster, DN4 0LL
- Local authority
- Doncaster
- URN
- 143962
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.