Kirk Balk Academy


Kirk Balk Academy is a secondary school located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. It is part of the Northern Education Trust The school is mainly serves students living in its immediate area: Birdwell, Hoyland, Jump, Tankersley, Elsecar and Pilley.
The school is an 11-16 academy teaching a wide curriculum in lower School with a variety of qualifications in the upper School, such as GCSE and BTEC.
A new building for the school was finished in late 2011, allowing for the demolition of the old school. This made space for a school sports field] and the school changed its name from Kirk Balk School to Kirk Balk Community College, created a new logo, and added a new uniform. In September 2014, the school was renamed Kirk Balk Academy. In March 2015, it was formally converted to academy status, sponsored by the Northern Education Trust. In September 2016 Ms Jo Nolan became the Executive Principal of Kirk Balk Academy and Thomas Hepburn Academy. Dean Buckley became the Head of Academy.

Uniform

Students wear full academy uniforms at all times on the academy premises or on an academy visit, unless otherwise stated. The uniform consists of a blue blazer with the current academy logo embroidered on the front pocket, a white shirt or blouse, a house coloured tie and a pair of black tailored trousers or a black skirt. The kit worn for Physical Education uniform consists of a navy blue, light blue and white polo shirt with the Academy logo and a pair of black shorts or jogging bottoms.

House System

Kirk Balk Academy has 4 houses.
Each house has its own ethos, guiding standards and routines which help develop a family culture.

Events

The school hosts a whole school inter-house sports day in the last week of term each year. Students represent their house in athletic track and field events. Students also can compete through taking part in other team sports, such as: Football, Rounders and Tennis.

Timetable

The school timetable consists of one set week. This provides a variety of lessons, so that the pupils receive the correct number of hours in a lesson each week. The school day starts at 8:20am and ends at 2:30pm.

Ofsted Inspection

In the latest OFSTED inspection, the school was rated as Good.
AreaGrade
Effectiveness of leadership and managementGood
Quality of teaching, learning and assessmentGood
Personal development, behaviour and welfareGood
Outcomes for pupilsGood