Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School
Cockermouth, CA13 0PG · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
2nd 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.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 87.0 · 96 | 62% | 5.88 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 20.0 · 92 | 38% | 3.53 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 87.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A further 20.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join street dance, Scottish dancing, and forest school clubs. Sports include netball, tennis, cricket, gymnastics, football, rugby, multi-skills, and orienteering. Music offers choir, woodwind, guitars, brass, recorders, and instrumental lessons, alongside African drumming workshops and Playground Proms. Trips visit Jorvik Museum, The Dig, Eden Camp, Beamish, Keswick Museum, Castlerigg Stone Circle, The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, William Wordsworth House, and Vindolanda. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 146 pupils against a stated capacity of 150. 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 do not reach the higher standard? What are the specific entry criteria for the current academic year? How are the various music and dance clubs scheduled to avoid timetable conflicts?
What Ofsted said about Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School "thrive" and are described as "proud ambassadors" who exhibit "compassion and exceptional manners." The school provides an "inspiring curriculum" that is "broad and very ambitious," supported by effective leadership and a strong sense of community. Inspectors noted that pupils, including those with special educational needs, consistently meet the school’s high aspirations for achievement and conduct.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "exceptionally positive attitudes to learning," contributing to a "calm and purposeful environment."
- Early years provision is outstanding, with children making an "exceptionally strong start" through positive interactions with staff and peers.
- Staff deliver the phonics programme with "expertise," ensuring pupils become "confident and fluent readers."
- The school prioritises pupils’ "social and emotional development," fostering "mature levels of empathy" and active citizenship.
- Governors hold the school to account with a "very high degree of effectiveness" and maintain a "comprehensive and accurate view" of performance.
Areas to improve
- Staff should design learning activities that consistently help pupils develop "sufficient depth of knowledge" in subjects, as some current activities do not support this adequately.
- Staff must address pupils’ "misunderstandings in a timely manner" to ensure gaps in knowledge are rectified before pupils move on to new learning.
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 | 89% |
| 2023/24 | 78% |
| 2024/25 | 87% |
| 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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