Houghton CofE School
Carlisle, CA3 0PA · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
44th 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 2,757 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6/10 among them, against 6.4/10 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 | 68.0 · 60 | 40% | 2.40 |
| Ofsted | 8 | 35% | 0.27 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 11.0 · 71 | 25% | 1.77 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Houghton CofE School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 68.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 11.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in May 2026 assessed the school under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6 out of 10 among them, against 6.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 179 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 below the expected standard in maths? What does the daily timetable look like for a Year 6 pupil? How does the school engage parents in monitoring progress between termly reports?
What Ofsted said about Houghton CofE School
Overview
Houghton CofE School provides an education where pupils feel safe, valued, and well-supported within a "caring community." The report highlights a "broad, ambitious and well sequenced" curriculum and strong relationships between staff and pupils. While most pupils achieve well, the report notes that some have "gaps in important knowledge, particularly in writing," which limits their readiness for the next stage of education.
Strengths
- Pupils behave well in a calm environment where bullying is "rare" and staff use "restorative approaches" to help pupils learn from mistakes.
- Attendance is now "close to the national average" due to leaders closely tracking patterns and acting quickly on concerns.
- The curriculum is "broad, ambitious and well sequenced," with teachers having "secure subject knowledge" and explaining new ideas clearly.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, enabling them to "make good progress" and access the same content as peers.
- Pupils understand the school’s Christian values of "compassion, respect and responsibility" and feel confident in their personal development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum enables pupils to address "gaps in foundational knowledge, particularly in writing," so more are well prepared for the next stage.
- Leaders should continue to evaluate the progress of disadvantaged pupils closely to provide "timely, focused" support across the curriculum.
- Governors need to receive "precise information" about the impact of the pupil premium strategy to effectively challenge leaders on outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 65% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 68% |
| 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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