Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy, Darwen

From the headteacher's welcome: "At St Barnabas we strive to help every child to, 'achieve great things' and live 'life in all its fullness' by inspiring them with rich, fun experiences and equipping them with a love of learning."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include football, netball, athletics, cross-country, dance, drama, choir and Lego.

In 2025, 74% of Year 6 pupils at Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 81% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 76% in Blackburn with Darwen and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (87% in reading, 70% in maths).

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 21 families put Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy as their first choice and 80 named it as one of their preferences, for 26 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 Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy are Ashleigh Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 66% reading, 86% maths); Darwen St Peter's Church of England Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 50% reading, 62% maths); St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Darwen (0.9 miles, Good, 87% reading, 83% maths); and Darwen Aldridge Sudell Primary (1.1 miles, Good, 68% reading, 82% maths).

Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy is one of 15 schools run by Cidari Education Limited, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 49% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

8.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 13 pupils (6.3%) received SEN support and 1 (0.5%) 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 Darwen Rail Station, about 1.3 miles away in a straight line.

9 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Knowlesly Road (by), 190 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 52 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Blackburn with Darwen (289).

Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Darwen, St Barnabas CofE Primary Academy are Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (1 mile) and Aldridge UTC Darwen (1.3 miles).