Boltons CofE School
Wigton, CA7 8PA · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
52nd of 119 primary schools in Cumberland we can score, 145 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 1,845 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0/10 among them, against 4.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 62% | 0.78 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 38% | 3.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Boltons CofE School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 18.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.0 out of 10 among them, against 4.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art, Lego, Games, Gardening and ICT clubs, or take part in Bench Ball, Football, Cricket, Tennis, Tag-rugby, Swimming and U-Dance. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 86 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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 curriculum support pupils who are working towards the expected standard in core subjects? What specific support is available for children joining the after-school club?
What Ofsted said about Boltons CofE School
Overview
Pupils describe the school as being ‘like a family’, benefiting from strong bonds with staff and a calm, respectful environment. The school maintains high expectations for personal and academic achievement, delivering a broad curriculum that prepares pupils for life beyond school through diverse experiences and clubs.
Strengths
- Staff build strong relationships with pupils and families, being ‘vigilant at identifying pupils’ individual needs’, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- The curriculum is ‘broad and ambitious’, with effective systems to check progress and address misconceptions in pupils’ knowledge.
- Reading provision is strong, with a ‘firmly embedded’ phonics programme and staff who successfully increase pupils’ enthusiasm for books.
- Personal development is a key strength, with pupils developing leadership skills, understanding diversity, and having their aspirations raised through enterprise projects and career introductions.
- Attendance has improved due to effective action by staff who work closely with parents to remove barriers to regular school attendance.
Areas to improve
- Learning activities in some subjects do not consistently enable pupils to ‘link and apply prior knowledge to new learning’, preventing some from deepening their understanding.
- The approach to teaching subject-specific vocabulary is ‘in its infancy’, meaning some pupils struggle to remember key words needed to explain their thinking.
Safeguarding
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 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 58% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of CA7 8PA, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT