Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
Beech Close, Brierley, Barnsley, S72 9EJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is a primary school in Barnsley for ages 4 to 11. It is one of the 95 schools in Barnsley. It ranks 16th of 58 primary schools in Barnsley. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in June 2024.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 4 June 2024, report published 11 July 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 4 June 2024
This school has high expectations for pupils. Pupils rise to these expectations. They are polite, well-mannered and an integral part of the warm and welcoming ethos that is at the heart of this school. Pupils of all ages get on well together. They look after one another. It is a pleasure to see the way in which pupils interact with each other and build positive relationships with the adults who care for them. Leaders have developed an ambitious curriculum for pupils. Pupils relish the opportunity to engage in learning that is both interesting and challenging. The school captures pupils' curiosity and enthusiasm for learning by ensuring that lessons are engaging and taught well. Pupils have a range of opportunities to become leaders and take on responsibility. Older pupils particularly enjoy being role models for the youngest pupils in school. Subject ambassadors are advocates for the subjects that they support. They proudly speak to visitors about their learning and the importance of the subjects that they are so passionate about. The school has ensured that pupils have a voice and are listened to. Pupils are confident to express their views. They are resolute in their campaign to provide a safer road crossing outside of their school to keep themselves and others safe.
What the school should improve
- Pupils' understanding of different faiths, is not well developed. Sometimes, pupils do not have the knowledge that they need to respond to the differences that they will encounter in the wider community to prepare them fully for life in modern Britain. The school should make sure that the curriculum includes the most essential knowledge that pupils need to learn about different world religions.
- The school's strategies for communicating with parents and carers are not clear enough. Some parents do not feel well-informed about school life. The school should simplify its processes for communicating with parents and liaise with them to establish how effective these are.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
28 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
205 pupils on roll, with places for 210
Schools near Brierley Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lift Shafton | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 59% met the expected standard |
| St Helen's CE Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 58% met the expected standard |
| Milefield Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 67% met the expected standard |
| Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 30% met the expected standard |
| South Hiendley Primary School | 1 mile | Ofsted: Good | 65% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 4 to 11
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Nursery classes
- No
- Headteacher
- Mrs Samantha Benson
- Phone
- 01226711332
- Address
- Beech Close, Brierley, Barnsley, S72 9EJ
- Local authority
- Barnsley
- URN
- 106629
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.