Bransty Primary School
Whitehaven, CA28 6EG · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
88th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.7/10 against 3,191 of them, against 1.1/10 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 | 44.0 · 12 | 40% | 0.47 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bransty Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.0% 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%, 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 (0.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023-11.
Getting in
The published school roll is 205 pupils against a stated capacity of 170. 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
Since the latest inspection was in 2023-11, what specific actions have been taken since then to support reading and writing progress? How does the school structure its curriculum to support pupils who are working towards the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Bransty Primary School
Overview
Bransty Primary School is described as a place where pupils are "polite, kind and happy," enjoying strong friendships and high aspirations. The report highlights an "ambitious suite of subject curriculums" that generally prepares pupils well, with particular praise for early years provision and reading. While most pupils achieve well, the inspection identifies specific curriculum gaps in newer subject areas that require attention.
Strengths
- Pupils develop "strong friendships" and take pride in their achievements, displaying "positive attitudes towards their learning."
- The school has designed an "ambitious suite of subject curriculums" that help pupils build knowledge over time, with a strong focus on spoken language in the early years.
- Reading is a clear priority; staff are well-trained in phonics, ensuring most pupils become "confident and fluent readers."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are accurately identified and supported, with those in the specially resourced provision achieving "exceptionally well."
- The governing body has an "accurate view" of the school’s strengths, and staff appreciate the training and support provided, which positively impacts their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects where curriculum thinking is new, some pupils have "gaps in their learning" which are not always identified and addressed in a timely way.
- The school should ensure that checks on learning support pupils to "know and do more over time," preventing them from moving on to new learning before they are ready.
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 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 44% |
| 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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