Hensingham Primary School
Whitehaven, CA28 8QZ · Cumberland · primary school
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81st 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 — 1.3/10 against 2,392 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| 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.
Hensingham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% 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%. 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 (1.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Just Dance, cookery, Arts and Crafts, Computing, and Film Club. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 120 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 who are not reaching the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment to the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2024 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Hensingham Primary School
Overview
Hensingham Primary School is described as a “welcoming and friendly place” where pupils are “happy and proud to belong.” The report highlights a “calm and orderly school environment” supported by strong routines and positive relationships between staff and pupils. Leaders have designed an “ambitious curriculum” that helps pupils build a “rich body of useful knowledge,” with particular success in supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate “positive attitudes to school” and behave well, with older pupils actively supporting younger ‘buddies’.
- The school places a “high priority on reading,” ensuring most pupils develop the fluency and accuracy needed for secondary school.
- Staff “swiftly and accurately identify pupils’ additional needs,” enabling pupils with SEND to “achieve well across the school.”
- The curriculum provides ample opportunities for wider development, including learning about safety, healthy relationships, and online protection.
- Governance and trust support ensure staff workload is managed effectively while maintaining high expectations for pupil achievement.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must deliver the curriculum more consistently, providing sufficient opportunities for pupils to “practise and apply their learning” to secure understanding.
- The school should ensure teachers assess how secure pupils’ knowledge is before moving on to new learning, particularly in reading, to prevent gaps that hinder future progress.
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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 40% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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