Alston Primary School
Alston, CA9 3QU · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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104th of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.4/10 against 3,780 of them, against 0.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 38.0 · 7 | 62% | 0.41 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Alston Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 88 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in core subjects? What specific interventions are in place to help children reach the higher standard? How does the school plan to maintain current staffing levels given the current pupil numbers?
What Ofsted said about Alston Primary School
Overview
Alston Primary School is described as a "small, happy school" where pupils feel a "strong sense of belonging" and learn in a "calm and caring environment." The report highlights that pupils are "polite and respectful," achieve well across a broad curriculum, and benefit from staff who provide effective support for emotional regulation and special educational needs.
Strengths
- Pupils develop confidence and leadership through roles such as "reading buddies," "school councillors," and ‘mini police’.
- The curriculum is "broad, ambitious and engaging," with staff using resources like artefacts to "bring learning to life."
- Staff foster a "love of reading," ensuring pupils rapidly gain "confidence and fluency" through a diligent phonics programme.
- The school maintains "high rates of attendance," with staff acting swiftly to resolve issues and offering individualised family support.
- Pupils enjoy diverse experiences, including clubs, performances, and community contributions like planting trees.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, "essential knowledge... has not been defined clearly enough," causing pupils’ learning to not "build securely."
- Checks on learning in some subjects are "not as effective as they could be" in precisely identifying gaps in pupils’ understanding.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 35% |
| 2023/24 | 33% |
| 2024/25 | 38% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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