Kirk Balk Academy, Barnsley
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data. Admissions policy: Non-selective
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Overall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Kirk Balk Academy creates a positive, orderly learning environment where pupils feel motivated and happy. The school has an ambitious curriculum and expert teachers who explain concepts clearly, helping pupils learn securely. Beyond academics, the school offers numerous clubs and enrichment activities that develop pupils' talents and leadership skills.
Key Strengths
- Calm, orderly environment where pupils are happy, well-mannered and conduct themselves well
- Ambitious curriculum with clear expectations, supported by detailed 'subject DNA' guidance for teachers
- Excellent support for reading development, with accurate identification of weaker readers and timely intervention
- Strong careers programme ensuring most pupils progress to further education, employment or training
- Comprehensive personal development curriculum covering healthy relationships, online safety and cultural understanding
Areas for Improvement
- Teaching is not always adapted sufficiently to meet the needs of all pupils, particularly those needing to deepen their learning
- Some pupils with special educational needs and disabilities do not receive precisely adapted teaching, limiting their progress
- Behaviour support strategies for a small minority of pupils need further development to reduce disruption
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with leaders ensuring an open and positive culture that puts pupils' interests first.
Extracurricular Activities
Performing arts clubs, equalities clubs, sports clubs, PROUD rewards event, pupil leadership positions (pupil president, sport leaders), residential trips, heritage site visits, places of worship visits
Kirk Balk Academy has successfully maintained the good standards from its previous inspection. The school is committed to being outcomes-focused and child-centred, with high expectations and a relentless drive to help pupils succeed.
At a Glance
29.7%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
107 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Class Sizes
24.9
Avg class size
53
Total classes
16 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
105%
Over capacity
1,318 pupils
1,250 capacity
68 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Barnsley
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Barnsley
Admissions Demand - Barnsley
Places available
2,720
Applications
2,603
Got 1st preference
88.7%
Got preferred school
98.3%
Secondary admissions across Barnsley (2025/26)
Inspection History(103)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
9.60536%
Overall absence
25.16459%
Persistent absence
1,367
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Kirk Balk Academy
St Helen's Catholic Primary School
West Meadows Primary School
Hoyland Springwood Primary School
Greenfield Primary School
Hoyland Common Primary School
Jump Primary School
Tankersley St Peter's CofE (Aided) Primary School
Elsecar Holy Trinity CofE Primary Academy
Birdwell Primary School
The Ellis Church of England Primary School
Showing 10 of 11 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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