Beaconside CofE Primary School
Penrith, CA11 8EN · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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72nd 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,238 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1/10 among them, against 2.1/10 nationally. 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.83 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 1.0 · 21 | 25% | 0.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Beaconside CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 1.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.1 out of 10 among them, against 2.1 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 445 pupils against a stated capacity of 511. 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 literacy? What specific interventions are in place for those not reaching the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing these attainment gaps?
What Ofsted said about Beaconside CofE Primary School
Overview
Beaconside CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, where pupils arrive happy and are greeted with warmth. The school maintains high aspirations, resulting in pupils who achieve well across the curriculum and behave respectfully in a calm learning environment.
Strengths
- Early reading is prioritised effectively, with skilled staff ensuring children are ready to learn to read from Reception and most pupils reading fluently by Key Stage 2.
- The curriculum is described as "ambitious" and "well-thought-out," meeting the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Pupils benefit from an "extremely broad range of trips" and clubs that bring learning to life and reflect their interests.
- Teachers possess strong subject knowledge and use the local environment to engage pupils, carefully checking understanding to address misconceptions.
- Behaviour management strategies are successful, with disruptions to learning being rare and attendance rates improving through supportive family engagement.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure links between the early years and Key Stage 1 curriculum are clearly identified so pupils can build on prior learning when entering Year 1.
- Assessment approaches in a small number of subjects require development to help teachers identify and remedy gaps in pupils’ knowledge effectively.
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 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 57% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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