Balby Central Primary Academy, Doncaster

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Balby Central we aim to unlock each individual child's potential to succeed, thrive and to be happy on their own journey with us because they are learning in a community where they belong. We create unforgettable learning experiences where opportunities are rich, varied and engaging."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am.

In 2025, 65% of Year 6 pupils at Balby Central Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 69% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 77% in Doncaster and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 64% in reading and 64% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 52 families put Balby Central Primary Academy as their first choice and 95 named it as one of their preferences, for 54 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Balby Central Primary Academy are St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 90% reading, 86% maths); Hexthorpe Primary School (0.3 miles, Good, 34% reading, 41% maths); Atlas Academy (0.5 miles, Requires improvement, 51% reading, 51% maths); and Woodfield Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 75% reading, 77% maths).

Balby Central Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 4 schools.

Balby Central Primary Academy is one of 11 schools run by The Rose Learning Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 56% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

36.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 43.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (47%), Black (13%) and Asian (8%).

In 2026, 92 pupils (20.5%) received SEN support and 9 (2%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Doncaster Rail Station, about 1140 metres away (roughly a 14-minute walk).

11 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Littlemoor Lane/Gresley Road (adjacent), 60 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Balby Central Primary Academy stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 644 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Doncaster (131), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Balby Central Primary Academy issued 5 suspensions, 1.1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Balby Central Primary Academy are Doncaster UTC (0.8 miles), Astrea Academy Woodfields (1 mile), XP School (1.1 miles) and Hall Cross Academy (1.2 miles).