Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School, Kendal
Kendal, LA9 5HB · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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37th 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 2,075 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8/10 among them, against 5.2/10 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 | 75.0 · 78 | 40% | 3.11 |
| 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.
Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School, Kendal overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 75.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.8 out of 10 among them, against 5.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in a School Council and a trip to the Houses of Parliament. Sports activities include cross country running, rugby, football, dodgeball, athletics, netball, gymnastics, and skiing.
Getting in
The published school roll is 134 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific support is available for pupils who are not yet meeting expected standards? How does the School Council influence school decisions?
What Ofsted said about Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School, Kendal
Overview
Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a "friendly and inviting" environment where pupils feel welcomed and equal. The report highlights that pupils achieve well against high expectations, with a curriculum that has been strengthened to ensure a "high-quality education" and "calm and purposeful learning environments."
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy attending school, appreciating the support from teachers and recognition for their efforts, such as certificates in assemblies.
- The school provides a broad range of enriching experiences, including clubs, visits to museums and theatres, and community fundraising activities.
- Staff receive effective training and support, helping them develop subject knowledge and deliver clear explanations to aid pupil understanding.
- The school prioritises reading, with a well-stocked library and initiatives like 'reading suitcases' that foster a love of literature among pupils.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and the school successfully identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, staff do not implement learning activities consistently well, limiting how much pupils learn; the school should support staff to deliver these curriculums more effectively.
- In a small number of recently redeveloped subjects, teachers do not sufficiently check pupils’ prior learning, leaving gaps unchecked; the school must embed strategies to identify and remedy these gaps before introducing new content.
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 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 76% |
| 2024/25 | 75% |
| 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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