Located in Barnsley, Outwood Academy Shafton is a secondary school, serving pupils aged 11 to 16. The school is a academy sponsor led and operates as a mixed school. It follows a non-selective admissions policy. It does not have a designated religious character, which may suit families looking for a non-faith school.

Outwood Academy Shafton currently has around 1380 pupils on roll, which is about 102% of its capacity. The gender split is relatively balanced, with approximately 50.5% boys and 49.5% girls. Around 35.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which gives an indication of the socio-economic mix. The school has a diverse intake across different backgrounds and needs.

Overall absence at the school is 12.6%. Persistent absence is recorded at 35.1%.

The majority of pupils are from a white british background (92.1%).

Safeguarding was judged to be effective, which is a key consideration for many parents.

Around 90% of pupils move on to sustained destinations after Year 11. Most continue into education (78%) , including 1% who stay in school sixth forms and 77% progressing to further education , while 8% enter apprenticeships .

School Information

Address: Engine Lane, Barnsley, S72 8RE
Website: http://www.shafton.outwood.com/
Telephone: 01226717730
School Type: Academy sponsor led
Education phase: Secondary
Local authority: Barnsley
Headteacher / Principal: Principal Alison McQueen
Religious character: Does not apply
Admissions policy: Non-selective
Unique reference: 139211

Map

Ofsted Inspection

  • Quality of education
  • Behaviour and attitudes
  • Personal development
  • Management effectiveness

Ofsted inspection date: 07/05/2025

Safeguarding is effective

Pupils

General

Age Range: 11 - 16
Gender: Mixed
School Capacity: 1350
Number of Pupils: 1380
Number of Boys: 697
Number of Girls: 683

Absence

SchoolEngland state-funded schools:
Overall absence: 12.6% 4%
Persistent absence: 35.1% 8.2%

Ethnicity

White British92.10%1271
Other White3.10%43
African0.70%9
White and Asian0.60%8
Other Mixed0.60%8
Unclassified0.60%8
Chinese0.40%6
Other Asian0.40%5
White and Black African0.40%5
Indian0.30%4
White and Black Caribbean0.20%3
Other (any other ethnic group)0.20%3
Irish0.10%2
Pakistani0.10%2
Other Black0.10%2
Caribbean0.10%1
Gypsy/Roma0.00%0
Bangladeshi0.00%0
Irish Traveller (Traveller of Irish heritage)0.00%0

Education - Secondary

Progress 8 score

Progress 8: Well below average (-0.61)
Of the 254 pupils at the end of key stage 4 in this school, 249 are included in this measure.
Progress 8 score (average over pupils)
School
-0.61
Town average
-0.46
Local authority average
-0.24
England average
-0.03
Entering EBacc
School
33%
Town average
40%
Local authority average
45%
England average
35%
Grade 5+ in English & maths GCSEs
School
34%
Town average
38%
Local authority average
43%
England average
41%
Attainment 8 score
School
40.2
Town average
39.9
Local authority average
43.8
England average
44.6
EBacc average point score
School
3.5
Town average
3.5
Local authority average
3.9
England average
3.9
Staying in education or employment
School
90%

Nearby Schools

Primary

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
Lift Shafton
High Street , Shafton S72 8QA
3out of 4 596 yd Academy sponsor led No Mixed More About School
Shafton First School
High Street , Shafton S72 8QA
- not rated 596 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School
Shafton Primary School
High Street , Shafton S72 8QA
- not rated 596 yd Community school No Mixed More About School
Pontefract Road First School
Pontefract Road , Cudworth S72 8AY
- not rated 713 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School
Cherry Dale Primary School
Royston Road , Cudworth S72 8AA
- not rated 794 yd Community school Yes Mixed More About School

Secondary

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
Outwood Academy Shafton
Engine Lane , Shafton S72 8RE
- not rated 0 yd Academy sponsor led No Mixed More About School
Shafton Advanced Learning Centre
Engine Lane , S72 8RE
- not rated 826 yd Community school No Mixed More About School
Willowgarth High School
Brierley Road , Grimethorpe S72 7AJ
- not rated 1,845 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School
Carlton Community College
Royston Lane , Carlton S71 3EW
- not rated 3,198 yd Community school No Mixed More About School
Outwood Academy Carlton
Royston Lane , Carlton S71 3EW
3out of 4 3,198 yd Academy sponsor led No Mixed More About School

Middle deemed secondary

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
Cudworth Middle School
Snydale Road , Cudworth S72 8JR
- not rated 1,472 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School
Milefield Middle School
Engine Lane , Grimethorpe S72 7BH
- not rated 1,662 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School
Felkirk Middle School
Highwell Hill Lane , South Hiendley S72 9DF
- not rated 3,026 yd Community school Not Applicable Mixed More About School

Not applicable

Ofsted Overall Effectiveness Distance Establishment Type Has Nursery Classes Gender More Info
The Felkirk Centre
High Well Hill Lane , South Hiendley S72 9DF
- not rated 3,026 yd Community special school Not Applicable Boys More About School

School statistics for this postcode are based on Ofsted rankings.