UPPERWOOD ACADEMY in South Yorkshire, Barnsley

Education Centre Information: Upperwood Academy:

Establishment Type:Academy Converter
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Barnsley
Reason Establishment Opened: Academy Converter
Establishment Open Date: 01/09/2012
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 266
Number of boys: 134
Number of girls: 132
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

This open-plan school with a 'peaceful' working atmosphere opened in 1973 in the ex-mining community of Darfield. Staff and parents have developed the 'extensive' grounds, planting 2,000 trees in 1997. There is an 'emphasis on raising academic standards', and pupils' progress is 'regularly monitored' so that the curriculum can be shaped to fit individual needs. Extra-curricular activities include soccer, cricket, athletics, badminton, fitness training and basketball, as part of a commitment to outdoor and environmental education. School teams compete in local tournaments and some pupils have represented the town and region. Children also learn to swim. A musical play is performed in the summer term. Community links are 'extensive' and there is an 'active' parent-teacher association. Pupils take part in a charity fundraising event every year and produce a 'quality' school magazine through local sponsorship. The school is over-subscribed.