Penistone Grammar School, Sheffield
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 4 years agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Penistone Grammar School has achieved well-above-average standards in most subjects, particularly in English and modern foreign languages, showing real improvement over recent years. Teaching is consistently good with growing amounts that are outstanding, creating an environment where students feel confident and engaged. The school is particularly effective at supporting disadvantaged students and those who need catch-up support, significantly narrowing the gap between different groups of learners.
Key Strengths
- Standards are well-above average in most subjects by the end of Year 11, with particularly strong improvement in English, mathematics, and modern foreign languages
- Teaching is consistently good with a growing amount that is outstanding, creating a business-like atmosphere where students feel confident to participate
- Students show mature attitudes, positive behaviour, and strong desire to learn with good support for disadvantaged pupils narrowing the attainment gap
- The sixth form is strong with good progress and students well-informed about post-school options
- Leadership has effectively driven improvements that have impacted student achievement and well-being
Areas for Improvement
- Teaching is not yet consistently outstanding across all subjects
- Work for more-able students does not always provide sufficient challenge to deepen their thinking and understanding
- Marking does not consistently tell students what they have achieved and what to do next, and teachers do not always check students have followed advice
- Subject leaders and student leaders do not rigorously enough check performance in their areas to drive outstanding teaching and achievement
Safeguarding
The report does not provide a specific safeguarding effectiveness judgment.
Penistone Grammar School is a good school that has made significant improvements in teaching quality and student achievement under strong leadership. Standards are now well-above average in most subjects, including English and mathematics.
At a Glance
14.6%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty, VI - Visual Impairment, OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability, HI - Hearing Impairment
SEN Provision
No
Special Measures
Class Sizes
21.4
Avg class size
79
Total classes
7 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
104%
Over capacity
1,946 pupils
1,877 capacity
69 places over capacity
Area Demand Pressure - Sheffield
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Sheffield
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(8)
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
7.12403%
Overall absence
17.24985%
Persistent absence
1,629
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Penistone Grammar School
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