Dent CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School
Sedbergh, LA10 5QJ · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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54th 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 4,112 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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) 2023/24 | 43.0 · 11 | 40% | 0.42 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2023/24 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Dent CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2023/24, 43.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 63%. A higher 14.0% achieved the higher standard, against a national median of 6%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.2 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Expedition, Woodwork, Book, Code, Gardening, Messy, and Camera Clubs, plus Art, Music, and Dance Clubs. Cross Country is offered as a sport, and an after-school club provides wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 30 pupils against a stated capacity of 56. 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 bridge the gap between the 43.0% expected standard and the national median of 63%? What specific strategies are used to help the 14.0% who reached the higher standard continue their progress?
What Ofsted said about Dent CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School
Overview
Dent CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School is described as a "small and joyful school" where pupils "thrive" and form "strong and trusting bonds" with staff. The inspection found that the school provides a high-quality education with "Good" overall effectiveness, characterised by an ambitious curriculum, effective safeguarding, and a strong sense of community.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "kindness and respect" towards one another and staff, settling well into school life with clear routines.
- The school has developed an "ambitious curriculum" that carefully considers what pupils need to know, with teachers delivering lessons with "clarity".
- Reading is a high priority, supported by "high-quality and engaging books" and expert phonics intervention for those falling behind.
- Pupils benefit from a "wide range of enrichment activities" and take pride in community roles, such as helping the elderly and raising money for charities.
- Staff feel "valued and supported," with leadership being "considerate of staff’s workload and well-being."
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, including some early years areas, the school must "finalise its curriculum thinking" so teachers clearly emphasise and revisit key knowledge.
- Assessment approaches in some subjects are "underdeveloped," hindering teachers' ability to check if pupils have retained earlier learning; these must be finalised to ensure secure foundations.
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 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 43% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,190 state schools in England we hold a 2023/24 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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